The Gardening Year
Some hints and tips for gardening throughout the year
January
Between now and March, dig over beds and bury any dead waste to feed up soil and add any manure if needed. Rotate beds if growing veg. Pick up some seed catalogues from the coming year!
February
Keep an eye out for winter damage of trees and shrubs. Collect water in a butt to store ready for the summer.
March
Start to cut the lawn with the blades set high but avoid mowing in wet conditions.
April
Sow some flower and vegetable seeds for the beds or the pot.
May
Apply fertilizer to your lawns; check the instructions on the packaging! Plant bedding plants, pots and hanging baskets. Apply weed killer to new season weeds to save applying during the summer.
June
Watch out for potted plants drying out. Plant out tender seedlings.
July
Keep an eye out for pests and check plants for signs of wilting.
August
Dead-head flowers to prolong the flowering period, especially sweet peas.
September
Continue sowing lettuce and other salad crops for a late harvest. Between now and November is the time to plant Spring bulbs.
October
Rake up any fallen leaves and add them to your compost bin. Finish any grass seeding or turf laying. Scarify to aerate lawns and top dress if needed. Apply weed killer to end of season weeds to slow new season growth.
November
Have a good clean up of the garden. Cut back any dead shrubs and roses down to the new buds.
December
Look at the garden through the window - it’s the best way!
