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June Newsletter

Welcome to this month’s Backyard Farmer Newsletter! 

As we head into the heart of the growing season, there’s plenty to keep your garden thriving and productive. It’s time to deadhead your flowers to encourage fresh blooms. Keep an eye out for persistent weeds like nutsedge, and don’t let pests like Japanese beetles get the upper hand—early detection is key! Plus, we’ll tackle blossom end rot in tomatoes, a common frustration with some simple prevention tips. Let’s dig in and make the most of your backyard!

Meet the Panel Spotlight

Elizabeth Exstrom

Nebraska Extension Educator - Hall County

Video: BYF Garden Update - May

Video: Deadheading

Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, encourages many flowering plants to produce a second round of blooms. By trimming off faded flowers, the plant redirects energy from seed production back into growing new buds. Regular deadheading keeps your garden looking tidy and can extend the color and beauty of your flowerbeds well into summer.

Video: Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot is a common tomato problem that appears as a dark, sunken spot on the bottom (blossom end) of the fruit. It’s caused by a calcium imbalance in the plant, often due to inconsistent watering or rapid growth. To prevent it, water your plants evenly and deeply, especially during hot weather. Mulch can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen products, and consider adding calcium to the soil only if a deficiency is confirmed by a soil test.

Video: Dealing with Nutsedge

Nutsedge is a persistent, grass-like weed that thrives in moist, poorly drained soils and can quickly take over lawns and gardens. Unlike regular grass, it has triangular stems and glossy, yellow-green leaves. To control nutsedge, improve drainage and avoid overwatering, as it loves wet conditions. Hand-pulling can be effective for small patches, but be sure to remove the entire root and tuber. For larger infestations, use a selective herbicide labeled for nutsedge, applying when the weed is actively growing for best results.

Video: Managing Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles can quickly defoliate plants, leaving behind skeletonized leaves and weakened growth. To manage them, handpick beetles in the early morning and drop them into soapy water. Use row covers to protect vulnerable plants and avoid using traps, which often attract more beetles than they catch. Consider applying neem oil or insecticidal soap for light infestations, and introduce beneficial nematodes or milky spore to target grubs in the soil.

Last week was Invasive Species week. While we are week late, you can still discover what invasive species are, how they spread, and the serious impact they have on native ecosystems. Learn to identify common invaders and get practical tips on prevention and control in your area.

Video: Identify Invasive Species

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