Serving Garden Goals All Summer Long

Hey Garden Bestie,

It’s June—my birthday month and peak Gemini season—so you already know the vibes are vibrant, playful, and full of fresh energy! 🌞♊️ This month, I’m kicking off the very first edition of the Garden Bestie Bulletin—a reimagined newsletter made with love, soil, and sunshine.

My goal isn’t to flood your inbox, but to share valuable, seasonal garden tips that help you grow your own food with confidence and joy.

I also want to take a moment to say thank you. To everyone who has supported me since day one on this gardening journey—your love, encouragement, and messages mean more than you know. Because of you, this platform has grown in ways I never imagined possible. From seed to sprout to full bloom, I’m beyond grateful.

And now? I’m even more energized and enthusiastic to pour into this community and share everything I’m learning—so we can all keep thriving, growing, and glowing together. 💚🌱

Below are some of the amazing features and opportunities I’ve been honored to experience over the last year—each one a reminder that this work is rooted in purpose and blossoming with possibility.

1. Revolt TV X Walmart Gameshow Receipts

2. New York Times Feature

3. Teen Vogue Feature

4. The Orlando Voyager

5. Top HBCU Influencers to Follow in 2025

Summer has officially arrived, and it’s calling us back to the garden! June isn’t just a time to tend to fruits and veggies—it’s also a powerful opportunity to care for the winged wonders that help our gardens thrive: butterflies.

According to a recent USA Today article, butterfly populations across the U.S. are on the decline due to habitat loss, shifting climates, and the disappearance of native plants. But here’s the hopeful part—we can be part of the solution, right from our own backyards.

This month, let’s plant with purpose—growing not only the fruits and veggies we love, but also the native flowers and herbs that support local pollinators, especially butterflies.

Need ideas? Here are a few butterfly-friendly favorites to sprinkle into your space:

• 🦋 Milkweed – A must for monarchs, but be sure to plant a native variety like Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) or Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa). Non-native tropical milkweed can disrupt migration patterns if it doesn't die back in winter.

• 🌿 Parsley, Dill, & Fennel – Host plants for black swallowtail caterpillars.

• 🌸 Purple Coneflower & Bee Balm – Nectar-rich blooms that butterflies flock to.

• 🌼 Lantana & Zinnias – Bright, long-blooming flowers that thrive in summer heat.

✨ Want to find out which native plants will attract butterflies in your area?
👉🏾 Click here to explore your regional butterfly-friendly plants.

Let’s grow gardens that give back—to us and to nature. 🌸🦋

🌱 Is It the Right Time to Plant That in My Area?
Garden Bestie, one of the biggest questions we face each season is, "Is it the right time to plant that in my area?" June marks the full swing of summer gardening—warm weather is here, and the soil is buzzing with potential.

The answer depends on a few key things: your hardiness zone, average last frost date, and the specific needs of each plant.

To help you figure it out, ask yourself:

🌤 What’s the typical weather like for my area in June?
Is it consistently hot and sunny, or are there still occasional storms or cool nights?

📍 What zone am I in?
Knowing your USDA hardiness zone helps guide when to plant. Look up your zone HERE.

📆 Has my last frost date passed?
By June, frost is usually well behind us, but if you're in a high-altitude or northern region, it’s worth double-checking. Check your local frost dates HERE.

Once you've got that info, you’ll know whether it’s safe to direct sow heat-lovers, succession plant for late summer harvests, or prepare for fall crops in warmer zones.

Here’s your go-to June planting guide:

🌿 Need Seeds, Garden Bestie?
If you're looking to stock up for summer planting, head over to Plant and Heal! My girl Erica has you covered with an amazing selection of seeds, patio fruit trees (perfect for small spaces!), and sweet potato slips—a summer staple you don’t want to miss.

I’ve been purchasing seeds from Erica for the last few years and can personally vouch for the high quality and excellent germination rates. She truly cares about what she grows and shares

👉🏾 Click HERE to explore everything Plant and Heal has to offer.

Support a fellow grower and get your garden thriving all season long!

🌦 Summer Weather Outlook

As we plan and prep our gardens, it's essential to take this season’s forecast into account. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, Summer 2025 is expected to bring hotter days and varied rainfall. That means flexibility, observation, and hydration—for both you and your plants—are key.

🌡️ Temperature Trends:
Most of the U.S. will experience warmer-than-normal summer temperatures, which is ideal for warm-weather crops. However, parts of the Pacific Northwest and southern Florida may see more mild or unpredictable patterns, so pace your transplanting accordingly.

🌧️ Precipitation Patterns:
Rainfall will be uneven this season. Some areas may enjoy generous summer showers—perfect for new plantings—while others could face dry spells, making consistent watering crucial to garden success.

🌍 Regional Forecast & Gardening Tips for June

🌱 Garden Bestie Tip:
If the forecast calls for extreme heat or prolonged sun exposure, protect tender plants with shade cloth to reduce stress and prevent scorching. Lightweight cloth can lower temperatures by several degrees while still allowing air and light to reach your crops. For container gardens, consider moving pots to partial shade during peak afternoon hours.

📍 Remember: These long-range forecasts are based on historical trends and weather models. Always check your local forecast before sowing or transplanting, and be ready to adapt as Mother Nature sees fit.

Need help summer proofing your garden? Check out the following:

🎥 How to add Shade Cloth to your the Garden

🛒 Summer Garden Shade Essentials

 🌿 Join the HOSS Gardening Club with Me!

I just joined the HOSS Gardening Club, and I’m super excited about it! If you’re ready to take your gardening to the next level, this is a fantastic way to get a curated selection of seeds, plants, and supplies delivered right to your door each month.

Here’s the scoop on the tiers:

• Seeds of the Month: 4 different seed packets to try each month.

• Small Sprouts: For gardens up to 1,200 sq. ft., this tier offers seeds, plants, and supplies for smaller spaces.

• Heavy Harvesters: For larger gardens (up to 10,000 sq. ft.), with bigger quantities to support all your planting needs.

Why I’m Loving It:

• The selections are curated perfectly for each season.

• You get access to exclusive gardening content.

• You can switch tiers as your garden grows!

🌱 Garden Bestie Exclusive!

I’ve refreshed my merch line to include more eco-friendly options—because growing green should feel good and do good 🌍💚

Treat yourself to some Grow Food goodness and get 25% off any order over $50 with code GARDEN BESTIE!

🛒 Shop consciously. Style purposefully.
Hurry—offer ends June 30th, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST!

✨ Your support means everything. This merch is what helps fund my work and gives me the ability to keep creating content to help you cultivate a beautiful garden.

Rooted in purpose. Styled for you.