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January: [back to top]

• Begin looking through and saving catalogues for bulbs and seeds you want to plant in the spring.
• Look at gardening books and articles and take a tour of your garden to plan out possible improvements in the up and coming season.
• Remove excess snow from shrubs and place them on perennials and on areas were bulbs are planted.
• Place christmas tree clippings and other holiday greens around perennials and less hardy plants as a "winter mulch" to protect from frost heave.
• Check soil moisture of broad-leaf and needled evergreens during warm weather and water when needed

February: [back to top]

• Inspect all gardening equipment and and make sure they are in working order for March.
• Make last minute ordering from catalogues and get all necessary supplies for plans made in January.
• Do dormant pruning of all woody shrubs and trees as well as pruning broken branches as a result of snow.
• Cut stems off spring-flowering shrubs and bring potted bulbs indoors to force.

March: [back to top]

• Watch for the last few remaining frosts and find out when the last normal spring frost is for your area.
• Keep off frozen grass as much as possible as it begins to grow again.
• Fertilize flowering shrubs and bulbs as they begin to emerge.
• Apply horticultural oil to trees, shrubs, and vines to control over wintering insects.

April: [back to top]

• Remove winter mulch and other debris as growth begins.
• Begin digging new beds as the soil softens.
• Begin weeding new and existing beds.
• Water newly planted trees, shrubs, and flowers frequently.
• Cut back any perennials that were missed in the fall.
• Divide and transplant summer and fall blooming perennials (can be done through May).

May: [back to top]

• Continue weeding beds to keep weeds under control.
• Continue watering all plantings frequently.
• Prune shrubs that flower in early spring soon after they bloom.
• Spray evergreens such as arborvitae, spruce and juniper that show sac-like structures hanging from them which is an indication of bag worm larvae.
• Begin planting annuals after you are certain the last frost date has passed.

June: [back to top]

• Continue weeding either by hand or by spot spraying with a non-selective herbicide.
• Prune spring-flowering shrubs and trees as they bloom.
• Water all new plantings early in the morning.
• Take time to enjoy the warm weather by spending time in and around your garden.

July: [back to top]

• Water your gardens well, especially in times of drought.
• Keep an eye on all weeds and keep them under control.
• Cut spent perennials all the way to the ground to encourage new growth.
• Make sure to stake all tall plants, especially those in areas prone to wind.

August: [back to top]

• Plan out areas in which to add color with fall mums or pansies.
• Look for and order fall bulbs.
• Collect seeds for next year's spring garden.
• Continue weeding and watering of beds during dry weather.
• Destroy bag worms, fall webworms, and tent caterpillars by hand.
• Cease pruning and fertilization of shrubs and trees by mid-month.

September: [back to top]

• Maintain all watering, weeding, and continue to check for signs of pests in beds.
• Cover ponds and water gardens with netting.
• Water trees and shrubs in periods of drought.
• Monitor soil moisture throughout December and water as needed.
• Remove all spent annuals and sow new annuals for next year.
• De-thatch and aerate your lawn to prepare it for winter.

October: [back to top]

• Cut back perennials after the first hard frost.
• Now is a great time to plant or transplant shrubs and trees.
• Water all newly planted trees and shrubs before the ground freezes.
• Continue removing all annuals as they are killed by frost.
• Transplant and divide perennials - cut all hardy perennials to the base after flowering.
• Plant hardly spring-flowering bulbs.

November: [back to top]

• Clean, oil, sharpen all garden equipment and store it for winter.
• Mark paths and driveways with stakes for plowing.
• Remove excess debris from all planting areas.
• Water evergreens on a warm day before the ground freezes.
• Finish cutting back all perennials.
• Mulch beds after ground has frozen.

December: [back to top]

• Prune evergreens and holly - you can use the trimmings for holiday decorations.
• Bring all pots, statues, and other objects made of cement and clay.
• Monitor soil moisture - make sure it is sufficient to get all plantings through the winter.