This Month In The Garden
January in Your Garden
Beware of any false spring weather just yet, keep delicate plants indoors and covered. Ground preparation for spring planting should only be done when weather permits. Mend fences and trellising, sharpen your garden tools and have the lawnmower serviced, even tidy the shed and get rid of out of date chemicals and fertilisers. Organise your compost area and clear out any junk under or behind sheds. Don’t forget to insulate any outside taps to protect from frost.
LAWNS
Best advice is to stay off lawns, any traffic will damage the lawn before it can start to grow.
ROSES
Complete any planting only if weather is dry enough or there is no frost. Don’t forget to support new plants from gales.
HERBACEOUS BORDERS
Clear dead buds if they are still there. In established borders you can top dress with fertiliser and then dig it in.
TREES & SHRUBS
Plant deciduous trees and shrubs in kind weather. Now is the time to clear moss from trees with tar wash. Prune hard any summer flowering shrubs such as clematis or spiraea. Remove inward growing branches on fruit trees. Apple and pear trees need to be opened up to so prune growth back to source. Large branches yield more fruit. Beware do not prune such fruits as plums or cherries, leave this to late April or May.
FRUIT BUSHES
Rejuvenate old soft fruit bushes. Remove the oldest branches close to the base of the tree to allow new growth that will be more plentiful at harvest.
VEGETABLE PATCH
Consider covering the soil with black polythene to warm the soil ready for early sowing.
PATIOS and PATHS
Beware of slippery paths, clean any algae away with a spray and deck scrub or perhaps it may need a power hose. Don’t forget to re-grout between slabs or cobble-lock.
Rest for the coming season as it is not far away.
February in Your Garden
Now is the time to tidy up the garden after the winter snows and rain. Ensure that all dead leaves, shrubs and the unwelcome moss and algae are gotten rid of before spring comes into full force. Have you finished all the tool maintenance and what about the potting shed. Have a look at the house gutters and clean out debris as well as checking drains. Replace any hoses that may be worn or have suffered from frost. Check the water butt for debris and or damage.
LAWNS
On established lawns you can aerate and scarify in dry conditions. Perhaps apply lawn sand and treat for worms.
ROSES
Complete any planting only if weather is dry enough or there is no frost. Don’t forget to support new plants from gales.
HERBACEOUS BORDERS
Clear dead buds if they are still there. In established borders you can top dress with fertiliser and then dig it in.
TREES & SHRUBS
Plant deciduous trees and shrubs in kind weather. Now is the time to clear moss from trees with tar wash. Prune hard any summer flowering shrubs such as clematis or spiraea. Remove inward growing branches on fruit trees.
HEDGES
Cut back overgrown hedges by end February if weather is milder. Destroy weeds under your hedges with heavy weed killer.
VEGETABLE PATCH
Keep the soil with black polythene to warm the soil ready for early sowing.
PATIOS and PATHS
Clean down all patios and decking, power wash all hard surfaces and remove algae and moss and re-grout as needed. Check gutters and down pipes for debris and damage and replace or mend as appropriate.
March in Your Garden
Your gardening season starts here. So make sure to keep up and on top to make sure the rest of the year runs like clockwork. Lawns, trees & shrubs should be tidied, weed, mulch and dig over beds, add fertiliser and plant spring bedding. Some fruit trees should be pruned. Prepare your soil for vegetables and plant some varieties. Beware of late frost and clean that greenhouse.
LAWNS
Re-seed worn areas, and repair edges. Aerate lawn with a rake or aerator. Scarify for moss. Apply spring fertiliser and cut once growth has started or is about 6cm high.
ROSES
Complete any planting only if weather is dry enough or there is no frost. Don’t forget to support new plants from gales.
HERBACEOUS BORDERS
If weather is dry then fertilise, check the labels of old plants, dig up host plants to get rid of perennial weeds. Plant any new plants first remembering to ensure roots are moist, move any that you want to move. Watch for slugs in mild weather.
TREES & SHRUBS
Plant deciduous trees and shrubs till end of March but only if weather is fine. Top dress young and newly planted trees and shrubs. Begin planting evergreens in pre-prepared ground at the end of the month. Lightly prune shrubs damaged by the ravages of winter. Thin out old wood.
HEDGES
Plant all types hedges, except broad leaved evergreens. Remove weeds from the bottom of hedges, and especially brambles and unwanted seedlings. Complete hard pruning of old hedges.
FRUIT TREES
Prune apple and pear before they bud. Weed and mulch everywhere under your trees.
VEGETABLE PATCH
Having prepared the soil and fertilised you should plant early potatoes, onions or shallots, carrots parsnips leaks and spinach. Harvest sprouting broccoli. Plant rhubarb.
PATIOS and PATHS
Clean down all patios and decking, power wash all hard surfaces and remove algae and moss and re-grout as needed. Decking should be scrubbed and then oiled for protection, at least 2 coats of decking oil. Clean any pots or containers and plant spring bedding and bulbs.
April in Your Garden
With the weather getting warmer and also some recent rain, growing is now in full flight. This is a very busy month in your garden to ensure colour, fragrance and relaxation for you during the summer months ahead. However beware not to plant new or tender varieties till later in the month, frost can still do damage. Keep on top of weeding and feed roses and all herbaceous borders. Beware of slugs and snails on newly planted perennials and vegetables.
LAWNS
Regular mowing is now required. Continue to feed and weed lawns as well as aerate if you have not already done so. Level out humps and hollows. Make sure edges are well trimmed.
ROSES
Complete any pruning required. Feed and fertilise, mulch new beds Water newly planted roses.
HERBACEOUS BORDERS
Plant any late flowering varieties. Left and divide daisies. Continue to keep weeds under control.
TREES & SHRUBS
Plant evergreens in showery weather. Water and feed trees and shrubs in dry weather. Lightly prune any shrubs or trees after they have finished flowering. Transplant Rhododendrons and Azaleas that need moving
HEDGES
Plant evergreen hedges. Continue to remove weeds from the bottom of hedges, and especially brambles and unwanted seedlings. Too early for cutting, remember all the little birds and their nests
VEGETABLE PATCH
Sow brad beans, cabbage, sprouting broccoli, cauliflower in fact a great range o vegetables at this stage. On the herb front sow parsley, coriander, dill marjoram and others. Water and hoe regularly and watch out for insect damage.
PATIOS and PATHS
Put out all your pot plants and replant all the containers with colour for the summer. Have you put up your hanging baskets yet? Plant more spring bedding in you pots. Keep paths weed free.
May in Your Garden
While the weather is getting warmer there are still risks of evening chill, as can be seen with recent easterly winds. Apply mulch to soil to preserve any moisture. Take care of anything under glass in sunlight but protect it from evening cold. Slugs are a major headache at this time of year. Keep on top of weeding hoeing mowing and don’t forget to water your pots and baskets
LAWNS
Regular mowing is required. Continue to feed and weed lawns as well as aerate if you have not already done so. Level out humps and hollows. Make sure edges are well trimmed.
ROSES
Now is the time to spray for greenfly and black spot.
HERBACEOUS BORDERS
Continue to keep weeds under control. Thin out shoots of plants more than 3 years old and remove weaker shoots from centre of plants.
TREES & SHRUBS
Plant out any tender and young shrubs, but remember to keep watering. Keep Lilacs to a single stem and mulch heavily. Cut out dead flower heads and prune weak shoots.
HEDGES
Start clipping your hedges from now until September, remembering to clip flowering hedges only after flowering. Continue to weed under the hedge. Make sure any fledgling birds have flown the nest first.
VEGETABLE GARDEN
Prepare outdoor sites for tomatoes. Sow beans and erect canes for runner beans. Also sow summer crops such as lettuce and spinach Sow late cauliflower
HERBS
You can still sow dill, fennel and parsley. Plant out basil and take cuttings from marjoram, rosemary and sage.
PATIOS and PATHS
Put out all your pot plants and replant all the containers with colour for the summer. Have you put up your hanging baskets yet? Plant more spring bedding in you pots. Keep paths weed free.
June in Your Garden
Hopefully we can look forward to a little less rain for the rest of the month. Enjoy your garden but there are many chores to keep up with this month. Protect developing fruit from birds. Watch out for such menaces as anthills in lawns, blackfly on veggies and blackspot on roses. Watering as well as deadheading regularly is the order or the month.
LAWNS
Regular mowing is now required but remember to vary the blade height according to the weather, not too low if we have a dry spell. You should spike your lawn to allow rainwater to feed the roots. Use fungicides to rid the lawn dollar spot and corticium and renovate any damaged areas.
ROSES
In order to get long stems, remove any small buds with your fingers to allow the main stem to grow. Also pull away any brier shoots on the main stem or even back to the shoots growing from adjacent soil. Remember to hoe the soil for aeration.
HERBACEOUS BORDERS
June should bring colour to your herbaceous borders. Trim back any early flowering varieties and allow geranium foliage to cover the blank spot. Primroses can be divided and replanted. Don’t allow plants to become dry. Water and feed chrysanthemums, gladioli and the rest of the border. Tie up irises, cut blooms as you like and then cut them back when finished flowering. You may need to spray lilies and make sure to keep the sweet pea moist. By the end of June lift your tulip and daffodil bulbs trim and store for replanting in late autumn.
TREES & SHRUBS
Keep any grass away from the trunks of shrubs and trees. And remove any self-sown trees such as sycamore or ash. Prune such shrubs as deutzia, cut back brooms to prevent seeding and dead head laburnum. Take care with disease on the rhododendrons and azaleas.
VEGETABLES & HERBS
Plant out the outdoor varieties and remember tomatoes should be staked, don’t forget they will need regular watering. Other vegetables for planting this month are marrows, courgettes, spinach and leeks. If you have asparagus spears should be harvested when they are 5" to 7" high and before the tips begin to loosen. Once the tips loosen, the spears become tough and fibrous. To harvest spears, cut or snap them off just above the soil level. Leaving a stub causes no harm to the plant. Once the bed is well-established, harvesting can continue until the bed yields only skinny spears that are less than a half inch in diameter. Leave these to grow without restriction to feed the plant for the following year. Don’t forget the herbs, dill and chervil can be sown now.
PATIOS & DECKING
All patio pots will need regular watering. Remove dead heads and top dress the pots.
July in Your Garden
Be it rain or be it shine your garden needs water at this time of year. You will need to water lawns and feed roses as well as watering vegetables, herbs and all those pots and hanging baskets on your patio. Now is also an ideal time to repair and paint greenhouses and garden sheds or fences. Don’t forget to mow the lawn just before going on holiday.
LAWNS
Water lawns heavily in dry weather. Aerate to allow lawn to get oxygen and apply fungicide as needed.
ROSES
In order to have continuous flower it is important to dead head the wilted buds. Roses need feed, best put into the soil. Remember to hoe the soil around the base for aeration.
HERBACEOUS BORDERS
July should bring colour to your herbaceous borders. However the weather is taking its toll especially on the long stems of foxgloves, dahlias, alstromarias etc. All need to be staked. Bedding plants need dead heading and it is important to weed your beds to stop weeds stealing all the nutrition. Tie up irises, cut blooms as you like and then cut them back when finished flowering. You may need to spray lilies and make sure to pick the sweetpea to keep it flowering. Hostas are the favoured meal for those slugs (they are huge this year) so whether you use beer traps or slug pellets they need protection. You should have lifted your tulip and daffodil bulbs for storing , too much damp soil will cause them to rot. Trim and store for replanting in late autumn.
TREES & SHRUBS
Keep any grass away from the trunks of shrubs and trees. And remove any self sown trees such as sycamore or ash. Prune such shrubs as wisteria, cut back softwood from shrubs. Keep an eye out for Aphids and white fly and spray if needed. Take care with disease on the rhododendrons and azaleas.
VEGETABLES & HERBS
Plant main crop carrots, peas, spring cabbage lettuce. Manage the watering levels , don’t overdo it. Tomatoes should be staked, don’t forget regular watering and don’t forget the weeding . Watch out for potato blight and also white butterflies laying eggs on cabbage. Sow sprouts, winter cabbage and broccoli. Harvest any vegetables as soon as they are ready. Don’t forget the herbs, dill and chervil can be sown now.
PATIOS & DECKING
All patio pots will need regular watering. Remove dead heads and top dress the pots.
August in Your Garden
With a change in the weather grass is still growing but not so vigorsly, but the bad news is so are the weeds. Keep on top of dead heading, weeding and watering. Enjoy your garden but there are many chores to keep up with this month. Time for that barbeque party and friends, or perhaps a visit to a prize garden to pinch some ideas. Enjoy your summer home grown salads.
LAWNS
Mow regularly but no more water or feeding.
ROSES
In order to get long stem roses, remove any small buds with your fingers to allow the main stem to grow. Continue with pest control. Remember to hoe the soil for aeration. Also time to think about and plan late autumn planting for next year.
HERBACEOUS BORDERS
Cut back any flowers that have finished flowering. Trim dead heads from others, and keep plants well supported especially in windy weather. For sweet pea mulch and water as needed. Fertilise others such as chrysanthemums. Take cuttings for the house Time to plan the autumn chores and even start planting daffodil bulbs.
TREES & SHRUBS
Keep any grass away from the trunks of shrubs and trees and remove any self sown trees or shrubs such as sycamore or ash. Prune shrubs that have finished flowering.
VEGETABLES & HERBS
Now is the time to sow winter cabbage seeds and also lettuce for early winter. On the herd front take cuttings from mint, sage or rosemary and put in pots.
PATIOS & DECKING
Patio pots will need regular watering now. Remove dead heads and top dress the pots . Make sure pots are in a shady place when the sun is hottest.
September in Your Garden
September is the perfect time for planting spring bulbs: narcissi, alliums, crocuses, snow drops, and hyacinths. Leave daffodils till next month and tulips till November. A good time for Lawn repair as well as harvesting vegetables and fruit. Enjoy your garden but there are many chores, such as clearing finished crops and plants to keep up with this month. Now is the time to complete those landscaping projects.
LAWNS
Apply sand or autumn feed and aerate lawns to maintain healthy growth. If you have a patch that is damaged or heavily infested then repair it or lay new turf in that area. Such things as bindweed or couch grass need to be removed from the area. Either spray with a weed killer such as Round Up, and leave for a few days or else dig it out. Prepare the area for seeding, rake in new seed and cover with a dressing of compost and turf mulch. You might lay out a mesh of wool across the seeded area to keep birds away. Your renovated lawn will appear over the next two weeks.
ROSES
Continue with pest control. Remember to hoe the soil for aeration. Also time to think about and plan late autumn planting for next year.
HERBACEOUS BORDERS
Plant new perennials while the soil is moist and warm, plant hardy perennials so their roots have a chance to become established before winter. Lift and bring tender perennials inside before frosts cause any damage. Once perennials have finished flowering, cut them back and divide large clumps by lifting carefully and splitting. Replant with plenty of organic compost and water generously. Late Autumn and Christmas bulbs should now be planted in moist compost in pots. Keep them cool and moist outdoors initially. Make sure to plant the right way up in small clumps. When they have started to propagate, about end of October bring them into the heat so you will have flowers for Christmas. Continue to deadhead dahlias, chrysanthemums, asters and any other spent flowers to encourage new flowers and keep the garden looking colourful. Check on the watering. Beware of equinox gales so make sure all outdoor plants are well staked to prevent damage.
TREES & SHRUBS
Prune shrubs that have finished flowering. You can plant evergreen shrubs during a damp spell and support them with stakes till established.
HEDGES
Last trim late this month. Plant new evergreen hedges from mid September.
VEGETABLES and FRUIT
Now is the time to sow winter cabbage seeds and also lettuce for early winter. On the herb front take cuttings from mint, sage or rosemary and put in pots. Sow parsley and chervil. Harvest fruits such as apples, pears and plums as they ripen and store in a cool dark place. Pick late varieties of strawberries and raspberries. Plan any new fruit trees for planting in late October.
PATIOS
Clean out pots not required for winter and store. Deadhead plants in pots and hanging baskets.
October in Your Garden
Despite the fact that we may still have touches of that Indian summer, October brings change. Showery conditions are the norm and temperatures will drop. You may need to continue with pest control throughout the garden. A good time for digging, yes soil will benefit from winter frost by being broken down at this stage. There are still a few chores, such as clearing finished crops and plants to be finished this month. Be sure to complete those landscaping projects. Halloween is around the corner.
LAWNS
Apply sand or autumn feed and aerate lawns to maintain healthy growth. If you have a patch that is damaged or heavily infested then repair it or lay new turf in that area. You still have time for lawn repair. For the established lawn now is the time to cut back on mowing and only mow when the blades are 3 inches high and do not cut so low from now on.
ROSES
October is the time to get out there and plant for next year.
HERBACEOUS BORDERS
As for Roses October is a good time to plant herbaceous perennials. Plant bulbs between shrubs for spring flowering. Plant Daffodils and tulips for spring and Irises for next May. Dig the ground for winter weathering and spring planting. Cut back Dahlias as soon as they are blackened by frost. Either winter chrysanthemums by leaving them in the ground or lift and house them. Tidy Iris beds before winter and remove dead leaves and weeds.
TREES & SHRUBS
Prune shrubs that have finished flowering. Plant deciduous trees and shrubs towards the end of October avoiding frost if there is any.
FRUIT
If you haven’t done so yet now you should harvest fruits such as apples, pears and plums as they ripen and store in a cool dark place. Prepare ground for new trees and plant late October. Remove dead canes of raspberries. Don’t forget to put grease bands or moth traps around fruit trees to catch winter moths.
VEGETABLES
You can still sow winter cabbage seeds but only in warm area and also lettuce for early winter. Try sowing lettuce under glass. Set out brussel sprouts in a nursery bed. Lift such vegetables as beetroot and marrows and store in a dry place.
PATIOS
That patio needs a good clean or power-hosing to remove moss, funghi and algae. Remove plants that are past their best and move others to a shady place.
WHAT ABOUT SOME COMPOST
Well this is the perfect time to start your composing. Fallen leaves the last of the lawn cuttings, border debris can all be added together mixed and placed in a bin. Add large quantities slowly to the main composter and just wait for it to darken go crumbly and smell sweet and earthy next year.
November in Your Garden
November is the beginning of a new garden year, so now is the time to plant or move deciduous shrubs and trees. Evergreens come into their own once all the leaves have been shed . Evergreens may be gold red or even blue, not just green, and have leaves of wonderful shapes and textures. However time change means time to put other parts of your garden to bed. Take in any delicate pot plants to protect from frost. Don’t leave pot trays under pots as your plants will sit in water for too long.
LAWNS
Drain and aerate established lawns. Apply an autumn fertiliser and finally take your lawn mower for its annual service.
ROSES
This is a great time to plant roses, so prepare the ground. Then stand the roots of your new roses in a bucket of water for an hour before planting. Make sure your hole is large enough to allow the roots to spread. Add compost to that hole, plant the rose spreading the roots, fill in and firm the ground around the newly planted roses. Do not plant roses any deeper than the old soil mark on the stem.
HERBACEOUS BORDERS
Dig the beds where winter weathering is needed, tidy and cut down tall plants. Dead tops of plants make good compost. Collect fallen leaves , these can be used as protection around the base of tender plants over winter months.
TREES & SHRUBS
Now is the time to plant new or move old conifers or evergreens. Water new growth in dry weather. Autumn pruning of fruit trees should be done before the weather gets too cold.
VEGETABLES
For an early crop of Broad Beans next year sow seeds in a sheltered area. Mould up any rhubarb. Protect any winter crops with straw. Plant garlic. Harvest any vegetables as soon as they are ready. Don’t forget the herbs dill and chervil can be sown now. Dig up and store root vegetables by mid November.
PATIOS
This is a suitable time to plant trees and shrubs in containers. These can be left on your patio. Tidy up and clean down your decking giving it a good scrub, Repair any damage ahead of frost.
WINTERISE YOUR GARDEN
Start with winter digging and forking over bare flower beds and veg patches, but only when soil is dry and not too cold. Pick up leaves and fallen debris for composting. Protect shrubs and plants from cold winds and keep an eye for frost. Remember squirrels may be foraging for food and will dig up bulbs so use some wire netting. Don’t forget that new compost project. All the fallen debris and leaves should go straight into your composting.
December in Your Garden
December is the month of holidays, family and Christmas jollity. Yes there are still a few tasks that can be done in the garden - weather permitting. Tidy pots, prune trees and take precautions for the frosts ahead. Time to service lawnmowers, sharpen tools and repair anything in your potting shed.
LAWNS
Dig over areas for spring seeding. Treat lawns against leatherjacket. Clean and service lawnmowers. Because it is still mild moss is thriving so spike spoil and aerate well to drain that moisture.
ROSES
Complete any new planting but only if the soil is not too wet. Trim back established rose beds for winter and prune long growths to about a meter and a half. Ensure earlier planting is firm in the ground.
HERBACEOUS BORDERS
Finalise any tidying of beds, cut back unwanted roots. Prune any overhanging branches from trees or shrubs. Order any plants for March planting.
TREES & SHRUBS
Keep any grass away from the trunks of shrubs and trees. And remove any self sown trees or shrubs such as sycamore or ash. Prune shrubs that have finished flowering. Tie young conifers together with sacking as a protection from frost.
FRUIT TREES
Spray all fruit trees with tar oil or winter wash once they have shed leaves and fruit. Another solution is a grease trap, a sticky band that you just wrap and tie around the base of the tree. Continue pruning. Cut back newly planted apples pears and all forms of berries such as raspberries.
PATIOS & DECKING
That patio needs a good clean or power-hosing to remove moss, funghi and algae. Clean out pots not required for winter and store. Cover any pots and shrubs for protection against oncoming frost.
HOUSE PLANTS
Keep plants on the dry side and let them have plenty of light.
