Spring

Early: Lawn Repairs: Spring is the ideal time to repair bare spots. Dig up compacted area 6" deep. Thoroughly mix up top soil, breaking up clumps and blending well. Evenly sprinkle grass seed across bare spots. Cover with starter fertilizer according to direction. Water with a fine spray until thoroughly moist. Cover with straw to protect seeds.

Prune new and established roses when canes first begin to grow. Do not prune in the fall. Prune summer flowering and evergreen shrubs before weather begins to warm.

Soil Improvement: Test soil for drainage, acidity and specific nutrients to determine what is lacking. Use garden fork to break up soil 2-3" deep around plants.  Sprinkle amendments on soil.  Level area and water well. 

Tip:  Improve new flower beds 1-2 weeks before planting.

Late:  Resist cutting back the green foliage of spring blooming bulbs.  The bulbs need to receive nutrients (for next year's flowers).  Transplant self-sowing flowers (perennials & annuals) to selected areas.  This is the time to plant new trees and shrubs.  Plant summer blooming bulbs and tubers.  Plant annuals end of May to mid June. 

Tip:  Annual flowers could be planted in your Spring bulb beds.  Just take care not to disturb the bulbs.

 Summer

Roses:  Deadhead faded blooms to encourage new growth.  Thin out straggly overlong shoots. 

Annuals:  Establish a regular schedule to inspect and deadhead annuals throughout the blooming season.

Soil Improvement:  Sprinkle compost, well-rotted manure or other natural organic amendments around plants and rake into soil.  Water thoroughly.

 Pruning:  Prune spring flowering shrubs right after bloom fades.  Lightly prune leaf growth of shrubs in hedges (Privet & Boxwood).  Plant white flowers in shady spots to brighten dark spaces (bleeding hearts, oakleaf summer hydrangeas, impatiens plus a couple of hosta plants.  Collect seeds from your garden.

Tip: Take a picture of your garden when it is looking its best and retain for your garden journal.  Takes notes of areas needing improvements.

  Autum

Instant Leaf Mulch:  Fill a plastic garbage bin two-thirds full with dry leaves, grind up using a weed-eater and add to garden beds.

Soil Improvement:  Prepare beds for spring planting by added general amendments, i.e., compost (nutritional), peat moss (improves ability of soil to hold moisture), manure (improves drainage and moisture retention plus is rich in nitrogen) and leaf mulch (high in nitrogen and potassium).  Dig them deeply and rake thoroughly. 

 Bulb Planting: (iris, tulips, hyacinths, daffodils):  Choose a sunny, well-drained site.  Plant bulbs in groups of 25 (mixed or singly).  Plant as deep as possible in cold climates (3 times the height of bulb in warmer regions).  Add blood meal, compost and a thick layer of leaf mulch to surface to nurture bulbs. 

Tip:  Sprinkle with cayenne to discourage squirrels.  Deadhead fall bloomers before first killing frost. 

 Pruning:  Lightly prune summer blooming shrubs after your plants have completely stopped producing new growth. 

Cleaning:  Clean tools and lawnmower blades and lightly oil before storing. 

Mulching:  Mulch flower beds with leaves or wood chips after ground is frozen.  Pot Spring blooming bulbs (2 times depth of bulb) and store out of light in unheated shed.  Watch for sprouts in late winter, water and bring indoors for early spring display.  Also, a good time to plant small trees and shrubs.

 Winter

Sort out plant tags you have accumulated and resolve to keep more meticulous records.  Grow fresh herbs on sunny window sills.  Now is the time to evaluate the design of your garden and sketch improvements on paper.  Resolve to add more native plants to gardens.  Repot and rejuvenate indoor plants (March).  After a heavy snowfall, shake excess snow from ornamental trees to prevent damage.  Welcome returning birds home by refilling feeders.   Be careful not to disturb nests in hedges or mulched beds.  Plan a scented garden using highly scented flowers such as evening primrose, Hall's honeysuckle, lily of the valley, lilacs, chocolate cosmos, daphnes and climbing roses zephirine drouhin.  Secure seeds and starter plants through mail-order catalogues.

Tip:  Journalize last year's garden activities.