Seasonal Maintenance Guide
- Cut back perennials before new growth emerges (March-April)
- Apply compost to beds, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers
- Divide and transplant overcrowded perennials
- Plant summer perennials after last frost (mid-April to early May)
- Apply 2-3 inches of gravel or stone mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune roses and remove winter-damaged growth
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots
- Deadhead spent blooms to conserve plant energy
- Monitor for spider mites in hot, dry conditions
- Provide temporary shade cloth for stressed plants during extreme heat
- Allow some plants to go summer dormant naturally
- Weed regularly before monsoon season
- Plant spring bulbs and perennials in September-October
- Divide and transplant perennials during cooler weather
- Enjoy peak fall bloom after monsoon moisture
- Continue deadheading until first hard frost
- Leave seed heads for winter bird food
- Clean up diseased foliage but leave healthy growth for winter protection
- Mulch tender plants before hard freezes
- Plan next season and order seeds and plants
- Prune deciduous trees and shrubs while dormant
- Protect borderline-hardy plants during extreme cold
- Minimal watering needed, only during extended dry periods
- Clean and maintain garden tools