Seasonal Garden Tips

September

Prepare your beds for fall planting, working organic matter into the soil.

October

Divide and transplant early-blooming perennials.

November

Finish cleaning up the garden.  Add winter mulch after the ground has frozen.

December

Plan to mulch with evergreen branches at end of the month.  Leave brown foliage of ornamental grasses for winter interest.

January

Check your winter mulch, adding additional amounts if necessary.  Old Christmas tree branches help to prevent loose mulches from being scattered by the wind.

February

Look for early-blooming bulbs like Galanthus (Snowdrops) and Eranthus (Winter Aconite), and early plants like Hellborus (Christmas Rose).

March

Cut ornamental grasses to the ground at the end of the month.

April

Remove all winter debris and remaining mulches.  Watch for early signs of disease or insect problems.  Begin staking plants that will need support.

May

Sow seeds if perennials outdoors, making sure the seedbed contains adequate organic matter.  Perennial and biennial seeds can be planted through September.

June

Pinch chrysanthemums and similar plants to encourage side branch development.  Watch for slugs.  Deadhead and remove yellowed foliage from bulbs.

July

Watering and weeding are major concerns; mulch will facilitate both.  Soak the garden, remove the weeds, and then mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed-seed germination.  Dig and divide bearded Irises.

August

Cut back perennials that have finished blooming, but leave some foliage.