Tasks for January

A fresh start in the garden with all your exciting plans of what to do for the year ahead. This is a chance for you to start a gardening calendar that will be useful year after year. Remember to wrap up warm, as the weather will be bitter at times, I'm sure. Try to choose a warmer, brighter day if you are pruning, or perhaps leave it until next month.

Bedding

If you have winter bedding such as primroses or pansies then clear any debris from around them, letting them air. Deadhead them if required to encourage more flowers, and as the weather warms up, they will be sure to give you some lovely colour.

Birdcare

There are always the birds to look after, by keeping your bird feeders topped up and access to fresh unfrozen water you will be doing your bit to support them through to springtime.

Christmas

There are some council facilities for collecting your old christmas tree or places where you can take them and drop them off. Better still shred it yourself and add to your compost heap.

General

	Keep your paths and patio free from slippery algae with a strong broom, chemicals or power washing. Of course at this time paths etc can be slippery with the frosts or even some snow. Having a snow shovel and some salt or gritty sand will help keep a safe pathway to your door.
	This would be a good time to get any last minute moving done of any shrubs or trees when they are still dormant, if the ground is not frozen of course.
	Keep an eye on any lying snow on your cold frame or greenhouse. It is always best to remove this whenever you can to protect the glass from breaking under the weight.
	Give everything a good check over. Ties and stakes are hopefully still doing their job; replace/secure if the weather has been rough on them.

Grow Your Own

If you have a rhubarb forcer this can be put in place now or use an upturned bucket. Look forward to some delicious tender stems in a couple of months time.

Herbaceous

	Nearer the end of the month any herbaceous perennial plants could be cut back and tidied along with grasses. Some gardeners do leave them until later as they are cover and protection for some wildlife. Take care; you don't want to snip any new growth beginning to show at the base of these plants (which will be weather dependent).
	If you have some deciduous climbers which are unruly and overgrown, they can be cut hard back to encourage fresh new growth ready to be tied in and spread out.
	Your hellebores may have some flowers and buds which will have the promise of more to come, gorgeous. Remove any old leaves from them and let more light into the buds.

Planning

Sit back with your notebook and pen, a cuppy in hand and relax! A wee plan of what you want to do for your summer planters and borders would be a good idea. Maybe you can list the seed you need to get, or coordinate a colour theme and start looking for new pots or plants that you will need.

Pruning

	If you have some deciduous climbers which are unruly and overgrown they can be cut hard back to encourage fresh new growth ready to be tied in and spread out.
	Pruning your gooseberries and currants to encourage a good shape and healthy plant should be done now and will benefit you with a good, healthy crop.
	If you haven't already pruned your apple and pear trees, then it's best to do it now while the tree is still dormant. Remember to create a good open goblet shaped frame removing any crossing branches. To avoid causing silver leaf fungal infections, leave your plum and cherry trees (stone fruits) until summertime.
	Willow trees and shrubs can be trimmed back and thinned out at this time, allowing space for more airflow and fresh new stems to come in; even taking a third of the stems will help. Choose the older ones.
	Pruning of deciduous shrubs can be done at this time. Some may need taken down quite a bit if they are over grown and it will rejuvenate them. Don't do evergreen shrubs at this time, and avoid pruning tender plants and any Plum and Ornamental Cherry trees.

Roses

If you haven't done them already pruning roses would be good at the moment whilst they're dormant. Take away any crossing or diseased and spindly stems. Try to keep a good open framework to ensure good airflow which will discourage mildew.

Sowing

In the greenhouse, you could start sowing some seeds such as sweet peas. If you have some sown in autumn, check whether they need to be potted on. There is still time to buy seeds; enjoy having a browse around and maybe planning your colours and designs for your borders.

Tools

By now you have probably managed to have all your tools and equipment cleaned thoroughly, ready for getting started again. If not, this month would be a great chance to get this done. The greenhouse and the shed could be done too, all nice and tidy for you to get a head start.

Weeds

Weeding is an ongoing chore that needs done but it is always best to try and stay on top of it.

Tasks for February

As we go into February we notice a shift in the garden, it feels like spring is not too far off and the days are gradually getting longer.The snowdrops and Iris reticulata are the first flush of the spring bulbs to make an appearance, the Hellebores are flowering and it's a great time to sow bedding and certain perennial seeds. There's plenty of jobs to be getting on with, so here's a few to get you started!

Bulbs

When snowdrop flowers begin to fade split large clumps and replant to have an even better show next year.

General

Deciduous shrubs are dormant at the moment so it is the ideal time to move them if they are growing in the wrong place.

Grow Your Own

	For a bumper crop of tomatoes, pepper, cucumbers and chillies in your greenhouse this year it is vital that they get an early start so sow the seed NOW!
	Cut autumn fruiting raspberry canes to the ground. The top of summer fruiting canes can be cut to a bud above the top support wire.

Pruning

Cut back late-summer flowering clematis to about 30cm from the ground. This will give fresh new growth and abundant flowers late in the season.

Sowing

Sow seeds of bedding plants in a heated propagator and look forward to a magnificent summer display.

Tasks for March

Things Are Awakening From Winter Slumber!

March is lovely; the garden is waking from its winter slumber! The crocuses provide an excellent pop of colour, and more spring bulbs are beginning to appear, with more yet to be enjoyed in the coming months.

Bulbs

Plant lilies, gladioli, dahlia, or begonias in pots and borders to look forward to a stunning burst of summer colour.

Feeding

Spring flowering shrubs like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, and Pleris will benefit from feeding with an ericaceous fertiliser.

Grow Your Own

Seed potatoes can now be put in a cool, light place to chit (sprout). Egg boxes are perfect for holding them.

Lawn

If your grass is starting to grow, set the blades high and give it a light trim, scarify and aerate if needed.

Pruning

	Cut Cornus, Salix and Continus down to the base to promote vigorous new growth, coloured stems and larger leaves.
	Vigorous shrubs like Buddleja and Sumbucus can be cut back hard to keep their size in check and promote more flowers.

Tasks for April

Spring Is In Full Swing

The days are stretching, but don't be (April) fooled! We can still have wintry spells with hard frosts, so although it can be tempting to get summer bedding out, it's best to keep it somewhere protected from frost for now; or, if you don't have anywhere to store it, wait until next month before you buy your summer displays. Bulbs are beginning to appear, with more to enjoy in the coming months.

Bulbs

Deadhead spring bulbs so they do not waste energy setting seed. Do not cut the leaves off for at least six weeks after the last flowers; this will feed the bulbs for next year.

Grow Your Own

Protect the blossoms and buds of early flowering fruit trees with fleece, as they are especially vulnerable to frost.

Herbaceous

	New shoots of Hostas, Delphiniums, Lupins and other vulnerable plants need protection from slugs and snails.
	Split herbaceous perennials by diving and replanting from the outside of the clump. Throw away the older woody inner parts.

Houseplants

Increase the watering of your houseplants and give a liquid feed once a month from now until September.

Lawn

New lawns can be sown from seed or turf laid. Make sure you prepare the ground well before hand.

Tasks for May

Summer feels within reach!

May is an exciting month in the garden! Spring has sprung, and the trees have put on their fresh, new lime-green growth. There's abundant colour, and (hopefully) it's starting to warm up, especially at night. By the end of the month, it should be fine to plant up your summer bedding displays, with the risk of frost past.

Bedding

	Pinch out the shoot tips of bedding plants and young annuals to encourage bushier growth.
	Harden off summer bedding, tender annuals, and plant out after the last frost.

Bulbs

Lift and divide overcrowded crumps of Daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs for a better display next year.

Climbers

Tie in the new shoots of climbing plants, including Clematis, Wisteria and Honeysuckle, to their supports. Be careful, as the new growth is delicate and easy to break.

General

Frost is still a risk in May, so watch out for late frosts. Protect tender plants with horticultural fleece at night.

Pruning

Prune spring shrubs, such as Forsythia, Ribes and Keria, after flowering to keep them compact and promote strong new growth.

Tasks for June

Now we're into summer; there's always plenty to keep busy within the garden.

Weeding and watering will be the two main jobs for the next few months, but there's also pruning, staking, and deadheading. Doing a few little jobs often (ideally every other day) is the best way to keep on top of everything, and it will make it more enjoyable and less of a mammoth task.

Bedding

Container displays and hanging baskets will benefit from a liquid feed every week to encourage flowering or use slow-release granules, which will last the season.

General

Deadhead Rhododendrons and Azaleas by snapping off the old flowers. This will give the plant a better appearance, stop seed production and promote more flowers next year. Take care not to damage the new leaf growth.

Herbaceous

	Cut back spring-flowering perennials, such as pulmonaria, to encourage a fresh flush of foliage and new flowers
	Add plant supports for tall-growing perennials, including Hollyhocks and Delphiniums.

Pruning

Prune late-spring or early-summer flowering shrubs after flowing, such as Weigela, Philadelphus and Deutzia, by thinning out up to a third of the older stems.

Roses

New stems of climbing and rambling roses can be tied in horizontally to supports and encourage more flowers.

Tasks for July

Now we're heading into high summer; we need to keep deadheading to ensure flowers continue.

Whether it's bedding, perennials, or roses (not all roses repeat flowers, but many patio and shrub roses do), if you're growing produce, you're now starting to reap the rewards of your crops. There is nothing more satisfying than cooking something you've grown yourself, not to mention the food miles you've saved!

General

Look out for pests such as lily beetles, snails, aphids and vine weevils, and remove them before they do too much harm.

Grow Your Own

	Keep picking your courgettes before they become gigantic prize-winning marrows!
	Pick and enjoy your Strawberries and Raspberries regularly. You deserve it after your hard work!

Roses

Feed and deadhead roses to keep them flowering strongly. Healthy plants are less likely to become diseased.

Weeds

Keep on top of hoeing and hand-weeding borders so weeds don't have time to set seed. As the saying goes, 'One year's seeds equals seven years' weeds!"".

Wildlife

If you have a pond, plant low-growing plants at the edges of it so that baby frogs have a safe place to hide.

Tasks for August

As we enter late summer, there's still much to enjoy!

The fiery colours of Helenium, Rudbeckia, and Echinacea are taking over from the softer tones of early summer. Grasses are now coming into their own and adding movement and rhythm to the garden. There's still plenty to be getting on with. Keep deadheading to ensure your displays last well into autumn, and when it's dry, keep up with watering. Here are a few other ideas to keep your garden in ship shape.

General

	Camellias and Rhododendrons must be kept well watered through late summer while their flower buds form for the following year.
	In dry spells water your garden, pots and baskets well in early morning or in the evening.

Planting Up

Free plants! Lift and pot up-rooted strawberry runners to add to your stock for next year.

Pruning

Once lavender has finished flowering, trim off the dead flowers to keep the plant compact and bushy. Avoid cutting into the old wood.

Roses

Prune rambling roses by cutting out the oldest stems and, if needed, those that flowered this year.

Tasks for September

As we head into autumn, there's a shift in the garden

The days are shorter, and the soft sunlight shows off your plants in a whole new way. There's still plenty to enjoy and do in the garden. Many trees and shrubs start to change into their glorious autumn colours this month, and there's still plenty to harvest on the veg plot. A wonderful time of year!

Bedding

Plant up containers for autumn interest, using small Conifers, Heathers, Heucheras, bedding plants and other colourful evergreen plants. Some dwarf bulbs add interest for next spring.

Bulbs

Plant spring bulbs, including Crocuses, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Bluebells and Snake's-head fritillaries in pots and borders.

Grow Your Own

	Dig up potatoes before slug damage spoils them. Store in a cool dark place.
	Pick apples and pears, store the undamaged ones for later use in a cool dark place and enjoy eating the rest.

Houseplants

Start to reduce the frequency of watering your houseplants and stop feeding them.

Lawn

New lawns can be sown from seed or turf laid. Make sure you prepare the ground well before hand.

Tasks for October

Halloween is this month, but getting into your garden doesn't need to be scary!

The soil still has warmth, and there's still colour to plant! It is the perfect time to harvest your squash and pumpkins for delicious pumpkin soup and an evening pumpkin-carving activity!

Bulbs

Now is a great time to plant your bulbs for gorgeous spring displays. Whether you plant in the ground or in pots you can create a colourful scene early on in the growing season next year. Tulips are best left to be planted until next month, as they do better being planted once it's a bit cooler.

Cuttings

There's still time this month to take cuttings. Using a sharp knife take a section of non flowering growth from perennials. Plant in a free draining compost (compost with equal parts grit or perlite) and keep the humidity high. They should take root fairly quickly and won't need potting on until next year.

General

Now is the time to bring any tender plants you have growing outside back under cover. Some Salvia, Pelargonium and citrus are just a few of the plants which are tender so will need protection throughout winter. Dahlias and cannas can be lifted after the first frost.

Grow Your Own

	If you've been growing squash or pumpkins now is the time to harvest them! They need to be harvested before the first frost otherwise they won't store so well. Depending upon the variety pumpkins can be stored for anywhere between 3-6 months.
	If you have apple trees, it's time to pick the apples. Only store perfect apples as this minimises the chance of disease spreading and destroying your entire crop. Store somewhere cool, frost free and dark and ensure the apples aren't touching one another.

Planting Up

Plant up some colourful winter displays with Cyclamen, winter pansies and Skimmia! Ideal for a bit of colour later in the year.

Trees

October is a great month to plant a tree. There's still warmth in the soil for roots to start establishing

Tasks for November

Novembe-rrr is here, and even though it's cold outside, there are still a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your garden!

It's a great time to maintain and plan for the future garden of your dreams!

Birdcare

If you haven't started already, now is a good time to start putting out extra food for the birds. Help them through the winter when a natural source of food in the garden is scarcer by supplementing their diet with fat balls, seeds and mealworms.

Bulbs

Now is the time to plant Tulip bulbs. Tulips fare better when planted once the weather is colder. Create beautiful displays now for flowering next spring.

General

	Collect leaves now from lawns and ponds to make leaf mould. Instead of getting rid of leaves, create a compost bay for them to break down into leafmould, which is great for adding to borders as a soil improver or mixing with compost. If you don't have the space for a compost bay/bin, you can simply collect them in a bin bag. Be sure the leaves are moist so they can decay properly.
	Now is a good time to lift and store dahlia tubers. Simply lift them out of the ground with a fork, shake off as much soil as possible and cut back the stems to approximately 10cm from the tuber. Rinse the tubers and inspect, disposing of any which are rotten or soft. Put the dry tubers into pots of either dry compost or vermiculite and store in a dry, frost-free place such as a shed or garage.
	If you don't already have some, it's time to invest in some fleece or cloches, especially if you grow your own. That way you can keep the ground warmer for your winter veg. This also helps prevent pigeons from becoming a nuisance and destroying your brassicas.
	Raise pots now onto either pot feet or bricks to prevent the pots from becoming saturated over the winter. Raising the pots off the ground allows the water to drain away more freely.

Grow Your Own

	Now is a great time to plant garlic bulbs for harvest next summer. Plant in a sunny spot and keep weed-free. Softneck garlic tends to store longer than hardneck garlic, but hardneck can handle harsher winters.
	Prune autumn fruiting raspberries now down to the ground to encourage new growth for next year's fruit.

Maintenance

	If you have a greenhouse, it's good practice to clean it down along wit any staging now to avoid any build up of pests and diseases for next years growing season. Once cleaned, you can always line the inside of your greenhouse with bubble wrap to help insulate and keep the temperature inside a little warmer.
	Wash out all plastic and ceramic pots and seed trays so they are clean and ready for use next year, this will minimise the spread of pests and diseases and keep the pots in good condition.
	Clean and sharpen tools now to minimise the spread of diseases and to ensure nice clean cuts when pruning.

Propagation

Now is the time to take hardwood cuttings. It's an easy and cost-effective way of bulk up quantities of plants. You can propagate fruit bushes, roses, flowering shrubs, and many trees this way. Cut a 30- 60 cm length of straight stem, pencil thickness, of this year's growth and divide into lengths between 15- 30 cm long. Cut straight across the bottom and at an angle at the top (so you can remember which way up to plant it and to provide an angle for water to run off). Strip any leaves so you have bare, straight stems, and put them into a pot of gritty compost, cutting two-thirds into the pot or outside in a trench filled with gritty sand to ensure good drainage. Leave until next autumn, keeping them well watered.

Pruning

Now is a good time to prune back your roses (except ramblers) to prevent wind rock from damaging the roots. Reduce the stems by about 50%.

Sowing

If you sow some sweet pea seeds now, they will flower earlier than if sown next year. Sow seeds into pots, cardboard tubes (from kitchen roll, etc.) or root trainers. Sweet peas have quite a deep root system and don't like their roots disturbed so it's best to plant into pots/tubes which are deep enough to let them grow well.

Tasks for December

December is the month when everyone starts concentrating on Christmas.

This is such a beautiful month for the garden. Frosty fresh mornings with a beautiful sunrise, birds out searching for their breakfast, a wonderful start to the day. Although the weather is so much colder there are still jobs to be done in the garden if you haven't managed to do them already.

Birdcare

Feeding the birds at this time of year will not only be good for them but also beneficial to your garden. Hang feeders around the garden encouraging the birds on to different areas where they will also forage for insects that are overwintering in all the nooks and crannies. Remember to keep your bird feeders clean and topped up. Some fresh unfrozen water will always be appreciated by them so keep the birdbaths clean and replenished.

Bulbs

It's worth keeping a check on any stored bulbs, corms, and tubers such as Dahlias for rot. Remove any which are rotten to prevent it spreading through all of them.

Disease Control

As well as pruning roses, it's worth clearing up the fallen leaves of the plant if they were affected by blackspot or rust. This will prevent the infection from spreading next year.

General

	If you haven't already, now is a great time to plant up a Hippeastrum bulb (often known as Amaryllis). Plant in a pot just slightly larger than the bulb into John Innes No 2 compost, with 2/3 of the bulb remaining above the soil. Water sparingly until the leaves develop and then water more regularly. Keep in a warm, bright spot. In 6-8 weeks the Hippeastrum should flower. They also make a lovely Christmas gift.
	Some gardeners will leave fallen leaves and stems in their borders to help protect the roots of plants. The birds do enjoy scraping through all these too for small insects, snails and slugs. If you want to prevent this then remove all the fallen material and place in your compost heap.
	This is a good time to give your shed a clean out. Any tools can be washed and it is a great idea to rub the wood and metal with linseed oil, this will aid the prevention of them becoming rusty. Ensure that your shed is in good order to stand up to the bad weather and check locks for security at a time of year when you don't check on it as often.
	If you don't already have one think about building yourself a compost bay and an area for leaf mould. Both of these will benefit you and your garden for years to come. They could be turned over at this time of year and if you cover them with some old fleece/carpet/cardboard this will help to keep the heat in to encourage the material to decompose.
	If there is a good dry day it is good to keep all your wooden furniture and fencing well maintained. Giving them a coat of oil or preservative on a nice day will help them look their best for longer.
	If you have a waterbutt this time of year is a good opportunity to empty it and give it a clean out. Over the winter there will be plenty rainfall to give you a lovely fresh start to the spring.
	Patio cleaning is a bit of a chore but there is a great need for this, especially if it gets really slippery. There are many brands of liquids you can use or maybe a power washer would do the trick.

Greenhouse

It is a good time of year to give the greenhouse a really good deep clean. Use a disinfectant to try and get rid of any overwintering insects and any diseases that may be lurking around. Remember to get right into all the corners of the frames and roof, and all the shelving too. If you have any plants in there for the winter time, keep the watering to a minimum and ventilate your greenhouse when required, depending on the ever-changing weather. These plants may be harbouring some wee pests, so keep an eye out and remove them if you spot any. Keep an eye on the snow arriving; any on the roof can be brushed off. You can wash any trays, tools, matting, etc. thoroughly, and they'll be fresh and ready for next year.

Grow Your Own

If you have a veg garden or allotment, it's worth covering veg with fleece when it gets especially cold. Lift leeks and parsnips before the ground is frozen solid.Other jobs for the plot include lifting and dividing established clumps of rhubarb to encourage more vigorous growth. It's best to use sections taken from the outside of the plant rather than those of the centre.

Planning

Planning ahead for next year can be done on the worst of days. If it's too wet and cold, why not sit with a cuppa and a notebook, writing your ideas of what you would like to do next.... A plan of action can then begin on whether you are crop rotating, planting seeds, reshaping a border, choosing new plants.....the list is endless but it is great to let your mind wander and think of all the possibilities. You can do anything!!

Planting Up

	Now is the time to get planting bare-rooted plants. This means instead of coming planted up in pots of compost, they come as they are with roots exposed. It's best to soak them in some water as soon as you get them. You must plant them out as soon as possible to avoid them drying out, but if you haven't got the spot ready you can always dig a temporary 'trench' in the ground and cover them with soil until the permanent spot is ready.
	Planting of trees, deciduous shrubs, bulbs and perennials should all have been done by now, but depending on where you are and what your weather is like at the moment, it is still possible to be doing some of this before it is too late. If you are in a colder spot where the ground may be freezing, think of potting on; bags of compost can be found in garden centres. Pot on your plants into slightly larger pots.
	For some winter interest plant up a pot with some lovely scented winter shrubs, such as Chimonanthus, Daphne odora or Sarcococca (also known as sweet box because of it's fragrance). If you position these by your doorstep or close to the house you'll be able to enjoy their scent every time you pass by.

Pruning

	As well as pruning roses, it's worth clearing up the fallen leaves of the plant if they were affected by blackspot or rust. This will prevent the infection from spreading next year.
	Fruit trees such as apples and pears, wisteria, roses and Japanese maples (Acers) can all benefit from winter pruning. Prune on a nice, dry day, as moisture in the air can encourage bacterial or fungal disease to enter the plant through the fresh cut. Winter pruning encourages growth, so when pruning apple and pear trees, aim to remove between 10-20% of the overall canopy. Work evenly around the tree, removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
	For Wisteria, cut back the side shoots to just 3-4 buds; remember, your Wisteria will need pruning again in the summer after flowering. About two-thirds of shrub roses can be pruned back, and the older flowered side shoots of climbing roses can be pruned back a little to prevent root rot over the winter.
	For Acers, prune out any dead, diseased or damaged branches, making sure to keep a nice shape to the tree.
	It can be tempting to prune back the flowerheads of Hydrangeas. However, these are best left until the spring, as they protect the new growth.

Seasonal

	Now that the temperatures are dropping, use bubble wrap/hessian sacks, etc., to wrap around your pots that need protection from the frost. If you are fortunate enough to have a greenhouse, then this will be an ideal cover for many of your more tender plants. Grouping pots together is a good way of protect them from the harshest winter weather. Some plants may benefit from a fleece covering. More tender plants in the borders can be mulched with some straw at the base to protect the roots from freezing.
	During winter months, any leaves on the lawn should be removed to let in the light, preventing patches on the grass. Keep off the lawn whilst there is snow and hard frost to protect your grass. In damp areas, use an aerator or garden fork to improve drainage. Take the opportunity to have your lawn mower serviced and sharpened whilst the use of it is at a minimum.
	With freezing temperatures, it is always clever to insulate any outdoor water taps and pipes. Hoses can be tidied away to a frost free area to keep them protected from cracking, splitting etc.

Trees

Check that your trees are staked well and are secure before the windy weather increases, although the autumn weather may have been really windy, so tightening the ties that have slackened off could be necessary. Keeping the roots of your trees stable is important all year when you plant a new tree, but especially in the autumn/winter time. You also don't want your ties too tight as the girth grows, so be prepared to loosen them slightly if needed. Your climbing plants and roses can be checked over too. Ensure that they are securely tied for protection on windy days.

Wildlife

Having a corner of the garden where you can keep it less tidy will be great for helping out the wildlife. Some small insect boxes, logs piled up, fresh rainwater in a small dish are just a few ideas. Small animals may come and shelter there in the bad weather ahead. If they feed on some of your slugs and snails that will be their thank you to you for helping them out.