Maple Leaf Farms - Garden Center & Country Store in Manalapan, NJ

Welcome to Maple Leaf Farms, your local destination for premium plants, trees, shrubs, perennials, garden decor, mulch, and expert horticulture support in Central New Jersey. Our extensive plant nursery offers high-quality Emerald Green Arborvitae, Green Giant Arborvitae, Boxwoods, Hydrangeas, Rhododendrons, Viburnums, Crape Myrtles, Japanese Maples, and hundreds of seasonal varieties. Whether you're a landscaper, homeowner, or DIY gardener, we serve both retail and wholesale needs with unbeatable prices and massive inventory.

We specialize in horticulture support, offering custom landscape designs, consultations, plant selection guidance, and site-appropriate recommendations. From perennials and ornamental grasses to flowering trees and privacy hedges, we help you build long-lasting, vibrant landscapes that thrive in the Northeast. Our knowledgeable team includes certified horticulture professionals and landscape designers who can work with you directly or coordinate with your contractor.

Visit our rustic country store for home and garden decor, seasonal goods, soil amendments, fertilizers, bagged mulch, and more. Our farm hosts seasonal events, family attractions, fall festivals, and Christmas markets with hayrides, photo ops, and specialty gifts. Our mission: deliver horticulture with heart, expertise, and unbeatable value. Stop by today or explore our services online.

Services we offer:

Our plants include arborvitae, boxwoods, hollies, azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, perennials, roses, flowering trees, Japanese maples, fruit trees, native plants, pollinator plants, shade trees, flowering shrubs, evergreen screening trees, and much more. Stop in and experience why Maple Leaf Farms is Central New Jersey’s top-rated garden center, trusted by landscapers and home gardeners alike.

Popular categories: Emerald Green Arborvitae, Green Giant Arborvitae, Boxwood Varieties, Hydrangeas (Endless Summer, Limelight, Little Lime), Perennials (Catmint, Salvia, Coral Bells, Black Eyed Susan), Grasses (Maiden Grass, Karl Foerster, Zebra Grass), Trees (Red Maples, Dogwoods, Serviceberry, Kousa Dogwood, Cherry Trees), and Seasonal Flowers (Pansies, Petunias, Marigolds).

New Jersey’s Premier Wholesale Nursery, Garden Center & Plant Specialist

Maple Leaf Farms is your one-stop horticulture destination in New Jersey for everything related to trees, shrubs, perennials, privacy plants, native plants, tropicals, houseplants, and decorative garden products. We serve both retail and wholesale customers, with one of the most diverse and complete selections of plant material in Central NJ. Whether you’re planting a new landscape, adding privacy to your yard, or sourcing plant material for commercial jobs, Maple Leaf Farms delivers value, quality, and expert guidance you can trust.

We are known for our high-volume stock of arborvitae, including 6-10 ft Green Giants, Emerald Green Arborvitae, Nigra Arborvitae, and Degroot’s Spire – available by the dozen or in bulk for privacy hedges. Landscapers, municipalities, property developers, and homeowners turn to us for affordable wholesale pricing and consistent availability.

Looking for perennials and native plants? Our native plant selection includes Echinacea (Coneflower), Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan), Baptisia, Bee Balm, Asters, Coreopsis, Amsonia, and Solidago – all grown to thrive in the Northeast. We also carry native ornamental grasses, ferns, and sedges. Our pollinator and butterfly gardens feature Buddleia (Butterfly Bush), Milkweed, Yarrow, and more. Each perennial is selected for bloom time, durability, and its ability to support bees, butterflies, and birds.

Inside our greenhouse, you’ll find a curated collection of houseplants including Peace Lilies, Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, Ficus, Dracaena, Palms, Philodendron, Pothos, Alocasia, and rare collector varieties. Whether you’re furnishing an office, home, or storefront, our healthy, established tropical and indoor plants are ready to impress.

In addition to retail-ready material, we specialize in sourcing large caliper specimen trees and field-grown material. We offer on-site pickup or flat-rate delivery with experienced loaders and the ability to assist contractors with large-scale planting jobs. Our country store complements our outdoor sales yard with fertilizers, soil conditioners, mulch, and garden products. And our seasonal farm events bring in thousands of visitors each year for festivals, farm fun, and live entertainment.

Don’t settle for average. Discover why Maple Leaf Farms is the trusted name in NJ for wholesale plants, horticulture expertise, and personalized customer service.

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June Gardening in New Jersey: What to Plant, Expect, and Prepare For

  • Writer: Maple Leaf Farms
    Maple Leaf Farms
  • Jun 5
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jun 6


June Gardening in New Jersey - Flower Beds and Vegetables at Maple Leaf Farms

Introduction: June Gardening in New Jersey

June marks the true beginning of summer in New Jersey. As the weather shifts, gardeners across the region are presented with both opportunity and challenge. Whether you're a seasoned horticulturist or planting your first garden, understanding what to expect in June is essential. This month offers ideal conditions for warm-season vegetables and vibrant flowering plants, but it also brings pests, weeds, and unpredictable weather patterns. In this guide, we’ll explore what to plant in June, how the weather affects your landscape, and how to maintain a healthy, thriving garden through the heart of the season.

Section 1: June Weather and Its Impact on Gardening

In New Jersey, June weather brings longer days, abundant sunlight, and rising temperatures that range between 75°F and 85°F during the day, with nighttime lows around 55°F to 65°F. Rainfall typically averages 3.5 to 4 inches. While these conditions are ideal for summer planting, sudden heatwaves, thunderstorms, or excessive humidity can disrupt even the best-laid plans.

Key impacts of June weather on gardens:

  • Accelerated growth: Most vegetables and perennials thrive with the increase in daylight and warmth.

  • Increased water demand: Consistent watering is vital, especially for container plants and shallow-rooted flowers.

  • Storm damage risks: Heavy rains can compact soil, displace mulch, and damage new growth.

  • Higher pest activity: Warm weather accelerates insect breeding cycles, making vigilance essential.

Section 2: What to Plant in June in New Jersey

June is the last call for many warm-season crops and an excellent time to refresh flower beds with heat-tolerant annuals and perennials.

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • Beans (pole and bush): Sow directly; fast-growing and productive.

  • Corn: Ensure warm soil temperatures; allow space for pollination.

  • Cucumbers & Squash: Quick to mature; plant seeds directly into the garden.

  • Peppers & Eggplant: Best as transplants; establish early for summer yields.

  • Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley: Herbs love June’s heat and full sun.

Annual Flowers to Plant:

  • Marigolds: Deter pests and bloom all summer.

  • Zinnias: Easy to grow, drought-resistant, and excellent for pollinators.

  • Sunflowers: Tall, vibrant, and beneficial for bees and birds.

  • Cosmos: Graceful, light flowers that bloom through heat.

  • Petunias & Calibrachoa: Full-sun annuals perfect for containers and borders.

Perennials and Landscape Shrubs:

  • Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): Durable and long-blooming.

  • Coneflowers (Echinacea): Drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly.

  • Hosta and Astilbe: Thrive in shade; June is still suitable for transplanting.

  • Hydrangeas: Begin flowering; varieties like ‘Endless Summer’ are standouts.

  • Boxwood, Holly, Azalea, and Rhododendron: Maintain form and foliage with proper care this month.

Section 3: Common Garden Problems in June

Even with perfect planning, June presents challenges. Recognizing and addressing them early ensures a successful season.

Pests:

  • Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and whiteflies become more active in warm temperatures.

Weeds:

  • Fast-growing invaders like crabgrass and purslane thrive in warm soil.

  • Apply mulch (2–3 inches deep) and pull weeds consistently to reduce competition.

Fungal Diseases:

  • Powdery mildew and blights appear during humid stretches.

Nutrient Deficiency:

  • Yellowing leaves or poor flowering may indicate depleted soil.

  • Apply balanced fertilizers like 10-10-10 or compost to restore health.

Section 4: June Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Garden

Proper maintenance in June sets the foundation for your summer garden’s peak.

  • Water deeply, less frequently: Focus on the root zone; morning is best to prevent mildew.

  • Mulch: Helps retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.

  • Deadhead flowers: Removing spent blooms encourages reblooming.

  • Stake tall plants: Sunflowers, tomatoes, and delphiniums benefit from early support.

  • Inspect daily: Early morning walkthroughs help detect issues before they escalate.

Section 5: What Makes June Special at Maple Leaf Farms

At Maple Leaf Farms in Manalapan, we cater to New Jersey gardeners with fresh arrivals daily throughout June. Our greenhouse is stocked with flowering annuals, heat-tolerant perennials, and ready-to-plant vegetables. From lush hydrangeas to vibrant zinnias, you'll find everything you need to beautify your beds and borders.

Don’t forget our selection of garden care products, fertilizers, mulch, and professional advice from our experienced team—all tailored for June gardening in New Jersey.


Section 6: Best Practices for Container Gardening in June

Container gardening is a smart solution for patios, decks, and small yards—especially in June, when many plants are actively growing and blooming.

Container-Friendly Plants for June:

  • Annuals: Petunias, Million Bells (Calibrachoa), Begonias, Geraniums

  • Herbs: Mint, Thyme, Rosemary, Basil (needs regular watering)

  • Compact Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, bush beans, hot peppers

Key Tips:

  • Use quality potting mix: Avoid garden soil; container mixes improve drainage and root health.

  • Water daily or as needed: Containers dry out faster, especially in full sun.

  • Feed every 2–3 weeks: Use a liquid fertilizer like 20-20-20 or organic blends for steady growth.

  • Group containers by light need: Place full-sun lovers separately from part-shade plants.

Containers also allow seasonal swaps—perfect for rotating color themes or quick replacements if a plant fails.

Section 7: Landscaping and Design Ideas for Summer Impact

June is a great time to evaluate and enhance your landscape for aesthetics and function. Our landscape team at Maple Leaf Farms recommends focusing on structure, color layering, and pollinator support.

Design Strategies:

  • Anchor with evergreens: Use Boxwoods or Hollies for year-round form.

  • Layer by height and texture: Place Hydrangeas behind Salvia or Catmint, and border with low-growing perennials like Dianthus or Liriope.

  • Use color intentionally: Choose cool tones (blues, whites, purples) for calming spaces and warm tones (reds, oranges, yellows) for vibrant focal points.

  • Incorporate native pollinators: Coneflower, Milkweed, Black-Eyed Susan, and Joe-Pye Weed attract bees and butterflies while supporting ecosystem health.

Landscape Enhancements:

  • Mulch paths or stone borders: Define beds with clean lines.

  • Add a focal tree: A Coral Bark Maple or Dogwood adds visual interest and seasonal beauty.

  • Install drip irrigation: Saves time and conserves water, ideal for larger beds.

Section 8: Local Garden Trends and What Our Customers Love

At Maple Leaf Farms, we’ve seen several exciting trends take root among our customers in 2025.

Trending Plants:

  • Hydrangeas: Especially ‘Limelight’ and ‘Endless Summer’—long bloomers with low maintenance.

  • Butterfly Bushes: Popular for their pollinator power and showy summer color.

  • Low-Graft Japanese Maples: ‘Tamukeyama’ and ‘Crimson Queen’ are standouts in shade areas.

  • Deer-Resistant Shrubs: Skip Laurel, Boxwood, and Inkberry remain staples for worry-free gardening.

Popular Requests:

  • Privacy hedging with fast-growers like Green Giant Arborvitae and Leyland Cypress.

  • Tropical accent pieces like Hibiscus, Banana plants, and Palms for seasonal container flair.

  • Edible landscapes: Customers are blending blueberries, figs, and herbs directly into ornamental beds.

Final Thoughts

June is a rewarding time for gardeners across New Jersey. With longer days and ideal temperatures, your garden can burst into bloom and productivity. But it’s also a month that demands consistency, from pest control to watering and fertilizing. Whether you're nurturing your first tomato or redesigning a full landscape, June gardening success comes down to timing, care, and knowing what thrives in our unique climate.

Visit Maple Leaf Farms for all your June planting needs and expert guidance to grow your best garden yet.


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We’re open year-round, 7 days a week. Family-owned, customer-trusted. Serving Manalapan, Freehold, Marlboro, Howell, Colts Neck, Old Bridge, Jackson, Monroe, and all of Central New Jersey.

Thank you for choosing Maple Leaf Farms – Growing with Passion, Rooted in Tradition.

Serving New Jersey With the Widest Selection of Plants

From our extensive selection of landscape shrubs such as Boxwoods, Hollies, Viburnum, Spirea, Forsythia, and Hydrangea to our towering shade trees like Oaks, Maples, Birch, and Redbuds, we offer premium-grade nursery stock at pricing that reflects our grower-direct approach. Homeowners come from all over the tri-state region because we carry large, mature plants at lower prices than big box stores.

Maple Leaf Farms is also the go-to source for businesses seeking commercial planting solutions. We carry DOT-approved trees, deer-resistant options, and drought-tolerant species. We offer bulk flat pricing on hundreds of shrubs and perennials and stock top brands like Proven Winners, Monrovia, First Editions, and hand-selected growers.

Our team includes certified horticulturists and plant specialists who provide free in-store consultations and paid design services for advanced projects. Whether you need curb appeal, foundation coverage, color through the seasons, or solutions for wet, shady, or rocky areas, we’ll help you build a custom plant list that performs. From new construction to historic restoration, we’re with you from soil to success.

Visit Maple Leaf Farms at 525 Route 9 South, Manalapan, NJ. Call us at 732-851-4400 or email mapleleaffarmsnj@gmail.com. Open daily from 9AM to 5PM. Check out our inventory in person – we do not sell online. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for live inventory updates, garden inspiration, and event news.