Month-by-Month Gardening Chores

So you want to start a garden? Congratulations! What a joy! The good news is that you’re about to start a process that connects you to your neighbors, good teachers, wonderful peers, and to some of the Earth’s plants, bugs and microorganisms. The bad news is that you are jumping into a sea of information …
By addressing these tasks in December, you’ll ensure that your garden remains protected during the winter months and be well-prepared for the gardening season ahead. Flower Beds, Trees, and Shrubs: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs to insulate roots against freezing temperatures. This is especially important for newly …
By tending to these tasks in November, you’ll help your garden transition smoothly into winter and set the stage for a successful and vibrant garden in the following spring. Flower Beds, Trees, and Shrubs: Remove remaining dead plant material, including annuals and spent perennials. Cut back ornamental grasses. Top-dress your perennial beds with a layer …
By attending to these tasks in October, you’ll not only ensure a tidy garden but also set the stage for a successful and vibrant garden in the coming spring. Flower Beds, Trees, and Shrubs: Remove spent annuals and clear away dead plant material. Trim back perennials that have finished flowering. October is an ideal time …
By following this checklist, you can ensure that your garden is healthy, thriving, and producing an abundance of beautiful and tasty plants throughout the growing season. Flower Beds, Trees, and Shrubs: Adjust watering schedules based on weather patterns. Water deeply if rainfall is scarce, focusing on established trees and newly planted shrubs. Continue deadheading spent …
By following this checklist, you can ensure that your garden is healthy, thriving, and producing an abundance of beautiful and tasty plants throughout the growing season. Flower Beds, Trees and Shrubs August can be hot, so continue to water deeply, especially during dry spells. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to …
Grafting, a fundamental technique in gardening, unites the fates of two plants. This process involves merging the upper part of one plant, known as the scion, with the lower portion of another, called the understock. Essentially, the scion becomes the upper structure of the resulting plant, while the understock transforms into either the root system …
What is a garden journal and why should you create one? A journal is a place to document garden observations and record anything that relates to your garden, and by keeping a journal, you will be creating a form of reference manual for your garden. Recording observations and reviewing past journal entries, you will begin …
By following this checklist, you can ensure that your garden is healthy, thriving, and producing an abundance of beautiful and tasty plants throughout the growing season. Flower Beds, Trees and Shrubs Lightly fertilize your flower beds to encourage their growth. Bulbs that can be planted in the middle of the summer include gladiolus and butterfly …