Seasonal Maintenance Guide
- Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials in early spring before growth
- Apply compost and organic fertilizer to planting beds in March
- Divide and transplant summer-blooming perennials like daylilies
- Plant tender annuals after last frost (mid to late April)
- Mulch beds with 2-3 inches of shredded hardwood mulch
- Prune roses after forsythia blooms and remove winter-damaged canes
- Deadhead spent blooms daily to encourage continuous flowering
- Water deeply once weekly during dry periods, more in extreme heat
- Monitor for Japanese beetles and treat organically if needed
- Cut back leggy perennials in mid-summer for fresh fall growth
- Stake tall perennials like delphiniums and garden phlox
- Apply light fertilizer to repeat-blooming roses after each flush
- Plant spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and alliums in October
- Divide spring-blooming perennials like iris and peony
- Plant mums, pansies, and ornamental kale for fall color
- Continue deadheading until first hard frost
- Leave seed heads on coneflowers and black-eyed Susans for birds
- Reduce watering as temperatures cool and rainfall increases
- Protect tender roses with mulch mound around base
- Plan next season garden layout and order seeds
- Prune deciduous trees and shrubs while dormant
- Clean and oil garden tools for spring readiness
- Monitor winter pansies and water during dry spells
- Enjoy evergreen structure plants and ornamental grasses