Seasonal Maintenance Guide
- Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials in early spring
- Apply compost and organic fertilizer in late March or early April
- Divide and transplant summer perennials like daylilies
- Plant summer annuals after last frost (mid to late April)
- Mulch beds with 2-3 inches of hardwood mulch to retain moisture
- Prune roses after forsythia blooms and remove winter damage
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering
- Water deeply once weekly during dry periods, more in extreme heat
- Monitor for fungal diseases and treat promptly with organic solutions
- Cut back leggy perennials in mid-summer for bushier fall growth
- Provide afternoon shade for heat-sensitive plants during heat waves
- Stake tall perennials before they flop in summer storms
- Plant spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips in October-November
- Divide spring-blooming perennials like iris and peony
- Plant cool-season annuals like pansies and ornamental kale
- Continue deadheading fall bloomers for extended color
- Clean up diseased foliage but leave healthy stems for winter interest
- Apply fall fertilizer to roses for winter hardiness
- Protect borderline-hardy plants with mulch or burlap if harsh winter forecast
- Plan next season and research new disease-resistant varieties
- Prune deciduous trees and shrubs while dormant
- Clean and sharpen garden tools
- Enjoy winter-blooming hellebores and evergreen structure plants
- Minimal watering needed except during prolonged dry spells