6/01/2024
Ramsey County Master Gardeners share garden advice for Summer 2024 (June – July– August)
A pollinator in action at Lakewood Hills Park in White Bear Lake, July 2023
A Note from the Master Gardeners
Thanks to everyone who stopped by our 2024 plant sale at Aldrich Arena a few weeks ago! We hope you join us next year at the 2025 plant sale. Funds raised during the annual plant sale are invested in our programs in Ramsey County — we’re so grateful for your support!
How do Master Gardeners put plant sale money to work? They volunteer in communities all over the state similar to garden clubs and plant societies, but in slightly different ways.
We’ve had a beautiful spring with plenty of rain, and the gardening season is now in full swing! We look forward to seeing you at farmers markets, yard waste sites, summer classes and many community events around Ramsey County in the coming months.
As always, you can write or call us with your questions, or visit the Extension website for helpful information.
— Your friendly neighborhood Master Gardener
Summer Garden Activities
JUNE
Plant any remaining warm season annuals now that danger of frost has passed
Weed, mulch, and water wisely!
Watch for Japanese Beetles and other pests — manage as they emerge
Deadhead flowers to encourage new growth
JULY
Fill empty late-season space in your garden: Check out this list of what can still thrive when planted in July
Watch for extreme heat, and be cautious of herbicide and pesticide use in hot conditions
Continue to pinch and deadhead flowering plants (including weeds)
Prune spring-flowering shrubs
AUGUST
Harvest annual flowers and vegetables
Begin collecting seeds from spent annuals for next year
Consider late summer/early fall lawn care, including seeding, fertilizing and aerating
Plant cover crops in annual garden spaces
Summer 2024 Garden Information
What’s digging up your yard?
Raccoons, moles or crows ripping up your grass may just be a symptom of the lawn’s actual problem: white grubs. Many species of grubs are relatively big (an inch in size), and their populations can be very high (a dozen grubs per square foot). These grubs are a tempting treat for hungry creatures nearby. If you have been seeing the grub damage over consecutive years, mid-to-late summer is the best treatment window. Learn more about white grubs and how to manage them here.
Learn how to identify bees
There are thousands of insect pollinators in MN, including over 500 species of native bees. Summer is a great time to tune in and start to notice how many different bees you can find in your yard. You can join the 2024 Backyard Bumblebee Count in late July to help scientists track the population health of species. Looking to start identifying some of the species? The UMN’s Bee Lab has a handy FAQ and guides to reference.
Future climate data for your community
The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership recently launched a new online tool that offers highly localized climate projections for Minnesota communities. You can visualize data down to the 2.5-mile scale to see how precipitation, temperature and other variables may likely shift in your community in the coming decades. Learn more about the tool here.
Be mindful of weeds
Weeds are thriving this year with our relatively cool, wet spring. Whether you’re just starting to manage weeds or new to the battle, the University of Minnesota Extension has updated their helpful guide to weeds in lawns and gardens. Did you know you can also get a monthly “Weed of the Month” update from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture? That handy newsletter celebrated its 10th year this spring — subscribe here or check out past articles.
Healing gardens
This season will mark our third summer for the Healing Garden at the Muriel Sahlin Arboretum in Roseville. Check out this new video about the garden and the healing power of nature, and we welcome you to stop by this season if you can!
Donate extra produce
Often find yourself with far too many zucchini, tomatoes, melons or herbs? Don’t let it go to waste. There are several opportunities to donate extra produce in Ramsey County. Check out this guide on our website to different programs and locations.
Gardening in hot, dry conditions
While we’ve had plenty of rain this spring, climate trends suggest it may be another hot, dry summer. Now is a great time to refresh on best practices for preserving soil moisture and managing drought conditions. Consider investing in rain barrels if you haven’t already. And remember to also take care of yourself if you’re working outside in the heat — make sure to take breaks, drink plenty of water, and watch for signs of heat stress.
Sign Up to Receive Future Garden Advice
Sign up for the Ramsey County Master Gardener newsletter to have seasonal garden information emailed to you quarterly. Name and email required.
More Resources to Help you Grow
Ask a Master Gardener Online & Phone Services
Ramsey County Yard Waste & Food Scraps Drop-off Locations