Seasonal Maintenance Guide
- Remove winter mulch and cut back perennials before new growth (April)
- Apply compost and balanced organic fertilizer to beds
- Divide and transplant overgrown perennials like daylilies
- Plant summer annuals after last frost (mid to late May)
- Prune roses and remove winter-damaged canes
- Mulch beds with 2-3 inches of hardwood mulch
- Deadhead roses, coneflowers, and perennials regularly
- Water deeply during dry spells, especially new plantings
- Monitor for black spot and powdery mildew, treat with organic fungicides
- Stake tall delphiniums and phlox before they flop
- Cut back early bloomers like catmint for second flush in late summer
- Weed regularly before they set seed
- Plant spring bulbs (daffodils, tulips, alliums) in October
- Divide and transplant overcrowded perennials
- Plant mums and asters for late season color
- Continue deadheading until first hard frost
- Leave seed heads on coneflowers for winter birds
- Clean up diseased foliage but leave healthy stems for winter interest
- Apply winter mulch after ground freezes to protect plant crowns
- Plan next season and order seeds and plants
- Prune roses in late winter (March)
- Protect tender plants during extreme cold snaps
- Enjoy winter structure from ornamental grasses and seed heads
- Clean and sharpen garden tools