Timely Tips

What to Do in June 2026
Weekly Gardening Timely Tips from
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County

June 14 - 20

Perennials: Fall is the best time to divide many early blooming perennials that have grown too crowded or large for their space, but heat and drought resistant types may be used now if they receive adequate water over the remainder of the season. If plants appear temporarily droopy or stressed, lightly shading them can help promote establishment.

Flowers: Encourage window boxes and planters to stay in bloom all summer by being vigilant about deadheading spent blooms. Fertilize as needed according to label directions.

Fruits and Vegetables: Finishplanting warm-season vegetables like cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, squash and tomatoes, especially types that are slow to mature. Faster maturing varieties – those that are ready in under 10 weeks – can be planted through mid-July. Harvest strawberries now. For full flavor, pick the berries a day or two after they become fully colored. Continue to remove weeds that pop up at the edges of mulched areas and elsewhere. Weeding in small limited areas on a rotation may reduce overload, burnout and soreness. Using a small-sized bucket and stopping when full can help limit the weeding work.

Trees and Shrubs: Finish shaping evergreen shrubs and hedges by early July. Prune spent roses back as needed.

Lawns: Mow grass to a height of at least 3 ½ to 4 inches. Longer grass leaf blades can produce deeper roots, but overly tall grass may be difficult to mow. To set the height of the mower, put it on a flat surface, measure the distance from the ground to the blade and adjust accordingly, or if it cannot be set as much as 4 inches, use the highest setting.

Houseplants: Houseplants and container plants that need to be watered daily or more often may benefit from fertilizer every few weeks this time of year. Follow label directions.

Last updated June 14, 2026