Seasonal Maintenance Guide
- Cut back perennials before new growth emerges (March-April)
- Apply compost and organic fertilizer to beds
- Divide and transplant overcrowded perennials
- Control slugs and snails with organic baits and barriers
- Plant summer annuals after last frost (May)
- Prune roses and remove winter-damaged growth
- Deadhead roses, delphiniums, and perennials regularly
- Water during dry spells, especially in eastern Oregon
- Monitor for aphids and treat with organic controls
- Stake tall delphiniums and foxgloves before they flop
- Cut back early bloomers for possible fall rebloom
- Continue slug and snail control in western regions
- Plant spring bulbs in October-November
- Divide and transplant perennials during mild weather
- Plant cool-season annuals like pansies
- Continue deadheading until first frost
- Leave seed heads for winter birds
- Clean up diseased foliage but leave healthy stems for winter interest
- Enjoy winter-blooming plants like hellebores and winter jasmine
- Plan next season and order seeds and plants
- Prune roses in late winter (February-March)
- Protect tender plants during rare hard freezes
- Minimal watering needed west of Cascades
- Clean and sharpen garden tools