Seasonal Maintenance Guide
- Cut back ornamental grasses and perennials before new growth (March in Piedmont/coast, April in mountains)
- Apply compost and organic fertilizer to planting beds
- Divide and transplant overgrown perennials
- Plant summer annuals after last frost (mid-April coast, early May mountains)
- Mulch beds with 2-3 inches of hardwood mulch
- Prune roses and remove any winter-damaged growth
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continued flowering
- Water deeply 1-2 times weekly during dry periods
- Monitor for fungal diseases and treat with organic fungicides
- Provide afternoon shade for heat-stressed plants in Piedmont and coast
- Cut back leggy perennials in mid-summer for fresh fall growth
- Stake tall perennials before summer storms
- Plant spring bulbs in November (coast) or October (mountains)
- Divide and transplant perennials for spring establishment
- Plant cool-season annuals like pansies and snapdragons
- Continue deadheading to extend fall bloom
- Clean up diseased foliage but leave healthy stems for winter interest
- Reduce watering as temperatures moderate
- Enjoy winter-blooming plants like pansies and hellebores in coastal areas
- Plan next season and order seeds and plants
- Prune deciduous trees and shrubs while dormant
- Protect tender plants in mountains during extreme cold
- Clean and sharpen garden tools
- Minimal watering needed during dormant period