June Garden Journal
June has brought warm sunshine, longer days, and plenty of growth throughout the SEEDS garden. Everywhere we look, plants are stretching toward the sun, flowers are blooming, and pollinators are hard at work. The garden is truly coming to life as summer begins.
Our vegetable beds have been thriving as well. Tomatoes are growing quickly and beginning to set fruit, while peppers, beans, cucumbers, and squash continue to put on new growth. Gardeners have been busy weeding, watering, mulching, and checking on plants to make sure they stay healthy during the hotter days of early summer.
The pollinator garden has been especially active this month. Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects can be seen moving from flower to flower throughout the day. These pollinators play a critical role in helping many of our plants produce fruits and seeds. Their activity is a reminder of how connected every part of the garden is.
As temperatures continue to rise across North Carolina, many communities are also experiencing drought conditions and increasing water concerns. Hot, dry weather can place stress on gardens, trees, pollinators, and local ecosystems. One of the best ways gardeners can help is by watering deeply and less frequently, applying mulch to retain soil moisture, and collecting rainwater whenever possible. Supporting native plants and pollinator habitats can also help strengthen local ecosystems during periods of extreme weather.
With summer heat settling in, it is important to take care of ourselves as well as our gardens. If you're spending time outdoors, remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, and take frequent breaks when working in the garden. Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly, especially during long periods of high temperatures and humidity.
June has also been a month of learning and discovery. Our young gardeners have enjoyed observing insects, watching plants develop, and seeing firsthand how much can change in just a few weeks. From spotting monarch caterpillars to noticing the first tomatoes forming on the vine, there have been many opportunities to explore and ask questions about the natural world.
Thank you to all of our gardeners, volunteers, families, and community members who help make SEEDS such a vibrant and welcoming place. Every seed planted, weed pulled, and flower watered contributes to the beauty and success of our shared garden. We look forward to seeing what the rest of the summer season will bring.