The garden calendar
A garden needs attention throughout the year, and it helps to plan certain jobs for specific times of the year. You can use important dates as a guide. For example, spring begins on 1 March, when new shoots start to emerge. The Ice Saints in mid-May traditionally mark the end of the risk of night frost, after which frost-sensitive plants can be moved outdoors. The summer solstice on 21 June is another important milestone in the gardening year. We have listed the most important tasks month by month, so you know what needs to be done and when.
January
- Spread sand instead of salt to prevent damage to borders and paving
- Avoid walking on the lawn during frost or snow to prevent damage
- Feed the birds, as there are few insects around at this time of year
- Water any plants you are overwintering indoors
- Plant heathers and winter pansies in pots if there is no risk of frost
- Protect frost-sensitive plants from severe frost with straw, mulch, bark chips or horticultural fleece
- Prune shrubs if there is no risk of frost
- Apply lime to the lawn to reduce soil acidity, if necessary
- Otherwise, leave the garden to rest over winter
- Prepare for spring and order any plants and materials you will need
February
- February is another winter month, so most of January’s frost-related tips still apply.
- Apply lime to the lawn if necessary.
- Prune fruit trees.
- Lay garden paving or create a new patio on frost-free days.
- Check and maintain fences, sheds and other garden structures.
- Clean out nest boxes in preparation for spring.
- Dig over the soil in the vegetable garden and borders, and add compost.
- Remove the first weeds.
March
- Remove weeds and use a patio knife to clear the joints between the pavers.
- Prune roses.
- Apply fertiliser throughout the month.
- March is also a good month to lay garden paving or create a new patio.
- Remove dead or decaying plant material, but avoid pruning too heavily.
- Scarify the lawn to remove moss using a special rake or machine.
- Make sure your pond has enough oxygen, and remove leaves and decaying plant material.
- Dig over the vegetable garden and add manure or compost.
- Sow early crops in the borders and vegetable garden, or start them indoors.
- From March to May, you can plant summer-flowering bulbs.
April
- Weeds, weeds, weeds – regular weeding is the best way to keep them under control.
- Give the lawn plenty of attention: scarify, fertilise, mow and trim the edges.
- Fertilise the borders or add compost.
- Gradually acclimatise frost-sensitive plants to outdoor conditions, but remain alert to the risk of frost.
- Sow the first annual flowers.
- There is plenty to do in the vegetable garden, including sowing and weeding.
- You can start pruning the first shrubs, but watch out for nesting birds.
- Plant summer-flowering bulbs in pots.
- Clean your decorative clay paving with water and a broom.
May
- Avoid excessive cutting and pruning so that nesting birds are not disturbed.
- Sow annual flowers for summer colour.
- The Ice Saints, from 11 to 15 May, traditionally mark the end of the risk of spring frost.
- You can now plant frost-sensitive flowers, plants and vegetables outdoors.
- Plant up hanging baskets.
- Plant annuals in pots and borders.
- Continue hoeing and weeding.
- Support climbing plants and other tall plants with string or bamboo canes.
June
- Remove spent flowers and feed plants with fertiliser.
- Remove unwanted water shoots and suckers from trees and shrubs.
- You may need to mow the lawn once or twice a week, as warm and moist conditions encourage rapid growth.
- Box, yew and beech hedges can now be pruned.
- Prune before the summer solstice on 21 June to give the plants plenty of time to regrow.
- Weed carefully to avoid disturbing seedlings close to the ground.
- Water during dry periods, preferably early in the morning or late in the evening. Water deeply rather than frequently to encourage strong, deep roots.
July
- Water thoroughly, preferably in the morning, to reduce the risk of leaf scorch and fungal diseases.
- For the same reason, avoid mowing the lawn too short.
- Refill the pond if the water level is low.
- Remove aphids with a strong jet of water.
- Cut back grapevines to encourage a better harvest in autumn.
- Enjoy the garden! Pick flowers and harvest herbs and vegetables.
August
- Be aware of the risk of drought and, where possible, water plants with collected rainwater rather than tap water.
- Collect seeds from plants that have finished flowering.
- Check whether your pond has enough oxygen. A filter pump can help maintain oxygen levels.
- Consider staking or supporting top-heavy plants.
- Now is a good time to plant and prune conifers.
September
- Stop fertilising and allow the garden to prepare for winter.
- Continue mowing the lawn, but remove the clippings to prevent the grass from becoming smothered.
- You can now give yew and box hedges a second trim.
- Harvest fruit.
- Prune fruit trees after harvesting, especially stone-fruit trees.
- Harvest vegetables and prepare the soil for the next growing season.
- Take cuttings and divide suitable plants for next year.
October
- Plant spring-flowering bulbs before the first frost.
- Prune standard roses and walnut trees, and trim long branches before the autumn storms begin.
- Cover the pond with netting to keep out falling leaves and protect the pump from frost.
- Move frost-sensitive plants indoors.
- Harvest vegetables and fruit.
- Plant roses, trees and shrubs.
- Tidy the borders, divide established plants and add new plants.
- Remove annual plants that have finished flowering.
November
- Protect plants in borders and the vegetable garden with a layer of straw or mulch against frost.
- Clean garden furniture and bring it indoors or cover it if necessary.
- Thoroughly clean your garden paving, as algae and fallen leaves can make it slippery.
- Remove leaves from the lawn to prevent the grass from becoming smothered.
- Plant bulbs and hardy winter-flowering plants such as hellebores and pansies.
- Disconnect the garden hose and turn off the outdoor tap to protect it from frost.
- Prune currant bushes.
- Dig over the soil in the vegetable garden and allow it to rest over winter.
- Put out bird feeders.
December
- Rake the lawn, but avoid walking on the grass during frost.
- Protect vulnerable plants with horticultural fleece if severe frost is forecast.
- Snow can protect borders, but gently remove heavy accumulations from branches.
- Clean and oil your garden tools.
- Start preparing for spring – this is a good time to plan new garden paving and choose plants.
