Ask JRM About Watering in June
Preparing Plants, Lawns and Landscapes for Summer's Busiest Season
June is when summer starts getting real. Temperatures climb, vacation plans take shape and landscapes begin feeling the effects of heat, wind and inconsistent rainfall.
Also, garden centers are bustling. Municipal crews are preparing parks and public spaces for Independence Day celebrations, and homeowners are planning vacations. Meanwhile, landscapers are managing properties through rising temperatures and longer stretches between rainfall.
In June, we officially welcome summer. And, like most months of the year, we live in the moment and continue thinking ahead. How can we keep flowers looking their best for July 4 festivities? What happens to containers while we're away on vacation? How do we help plants stay healthy as summer heat settles in?
Here, the JRM team tackles FAQs we field in early summer. You asked.
Q: Why is June such an important month for planning ahead?
A: Because summer stress often shows up before people expect it. Plants may look great today, but a few hot, dry weeks can quickly change that. June is the perfect time to build moisture reserves into the soil and put systems in place that help plants perform better throughout the rest of the season.
Q: What landscaping tasks are municipalities thinking about in June?
A: Many cities, parks departments and public gardens are preparing for July 4 events and peak summer visitation. Flower beds, hanging baskets, planters and entrance displays all need to look their best during some of the hottest weeks of the year.
This is why June is an ideal time to focus on water management. Soil Moist water-storing polymers absorb and store water in the soil, then release it gradually as plants need it. Soil Moist Plus combines water-storing polymers with a time-release fertilizer, helping support strong growth while reducing moisture fluctuations.
For municipalities managing large numbers of annual plantings, containers and hanging baskets, moisture management tools like this translate into healthier plants, reduced labor and more efficient water use during the busiest part of the season.
Q: What's the biggest plant care challenge for homeowners this time of year?
A: June kicks off the big vacation season. Many gardeners spend months creating beautiful containers and flower beds, only to worry about what will happen while they're away for a long weekend or summer trip.
Fortunately, there are several simple solutions available. Vacation Mats use capillary action to provide water to containers for up to three weeks. Time-Release Watering Spikes offer another easy option for outdoor containers, helping store and gradually release moisture while also providing nutrients. The goal is simple: come home to healthy plants instead of a recovery project.
Q: What about keeping hanging baskets and containers from drying out in summer?
A: Containers are often the first plants to show signs of water stress because they dry out much faster than in-ground plantings. For good measure, incorporate Soil Moist granules or a fertilizer-infused mixture to reduce waterings by up to 50%. A bonus: it lasts for three to five years. Aside from heat, wind can be just as stressful. Hanging baskets exposed to sun and breezes often need water more frequently than gardeners realize.
>>Bright Idea: Create a cool container tower. Check out how our pro tackles this project here.
Q: What is the biggest summer watering mistake people make?
A: Waiting until plants or turf look stressed. Wilting flowers, browning lawns and declining plant performance are often signs that they have already been struggling for some time. Proactive moisture management helps reduce that stress before it becomes visible. Think of it as insurance for your landscape.
By creating a reserve of available moisture, plants are better equipped to handle hot weather, dry conditions and inconsistent watering schedules. Our helpful Soil Moist calculator is a guide for how much product to use.
The same principle applies to turf. Soil Moist Liquid for Turf helps retain moisture where it matters most — in the root zone. It can improve water infiltration, reduce runoff and help turf make more efficient use of available water during periods of heat and drought stress.
Enjoy Summer More. Water Less.
Whether you're preparing public landscapes for holiday celebrations, maintaining customer properties or planning your next family vacation, June is the perfect time to think ahead. A little preparation now can help plants stay healthier, landscapes stay more attractive and watering become less of a daily chore during the hottest months of the year.
So, why not store more water so you can save time, money and resources? Tell us how you use Soil Moist products in your home or business. We look forward to hearing from you!
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