April
Even though Easter has past there is still a chance for ground frost so keep an eye out for those fruit tree blossoms, beware the need to get all your young plants out unless protected under cloches or in a frost free greenhouse. Keep on top of watering your newly planted trees especially on dry days. Get your evergreen trees and shrubs in protecting any that are on exposed sites. Pruning for the month start with your early flowering shrubs and those shrubs that are grown for large or colourful foliage. Dead head your daffodils once finished and get to spraying your Roses for blackspot. get to work staking your perennials and start potting up or transplanting any self sown seedlings that you find in your beds. Keep on top of those annual weeds and dig out the roots of the perennial ones. Spring feed your established lawns.
Sow any greenhouse crops and continue sowing and planting vegetables outdoors, prick out and pot up seedlings before they get leggy and overcrowded.
Remember time is marching on to get those Summer flowering bulbs planted, don’t want to miss out on their beautiful display.
May
But now that spring has moved into hyper mode you will start to see a new life in the garden, changes being visible daily. Get those spring flowering shrubs that have finished flowering pruned and while you are at it get shrub soft wood cuttings done and in the pot to get those choice plants increased, at the same time get cuttings of your herbaceous perennials. Those spring flowering perennials can be tidied up and split as required, start hardening off summer flowering(don’t forget those cold nights!). In the veggie plot ,start thinning out all your earlier sowings, remember to protect plants from the dreaded carrot fly. Finish planting up your evergreen shrubs. get a start on your bi-annuals for next spring and always spend a bit of time inspecting your plants for signs of pests and diseases as a stitch in time!!
June
The show season is well under way by this time of year and Gardeners World live is one not to miss
July
Dead head all flowering plants to keep the beds looking fresh and hopefully get a second flush of flower for later in summer. Remember to take plenty of semi ripe cuttings from your shrubs, the way the last two winters have been, better to get some stock just in case of more losses! although there has been a fair bit of rain keep watering your veg, hanging baskets and planters, to avoid poor results. The extra moisture will encourage the grass to grow so where possible get it mowed, before it takes over Keep an eye on those pests and disease that thrive in these conditions, treat as required. If you are planning a holiday over the next few weeks make sure you have a plan in place to look after your plants, write a schedule good sitters may not have same regime as you and better keeping things right for both parties.
August
Plans in place for your long deserved break good enjoy, for those still at home keep up with the watering, deadheading and weeding a routine that should be second nature. Keep on top of the lawns but caution do not cut too short, avoid the scorched effect plus it will only encourage it to grow faster. Collect all the ripening seed for propagation you can never sow too much and if you manage to give it to friends and neighbours. trim your lavenders once flowers have faded to avoid going woody, perfect time layer your Rhododendrons, pinks and Clematis. Get the summer pruning of your gooseberries and while we are on fruit, harvest the first Apples and Pears. Start Christmas Hyacinths and plant up spring bulbs especially your Daffodils. At the end of the month start dividing your perennials.
September
Start clearing autumn debris to prevent pests and diseases overwintering. Now is the time to start planting new trees, shrubs,climbers and perennials. Assess what needs moved or removed from the garden Ideal time to move those evergreen shrubs. Begin splitting your evergreen perennials and remember to support those late flowering plants. Make a start to planting your spring flowering bulbs, spring flowering bi-annuals and get your containers filled with spring bedding. Sow or lay new lawns and scarify and aerate established lawns. Last chance to force Hyacinths for Christmas, plant onions sets and plant new strawberries. And after all that you can start pruning your climbing roses once flowers are over. Clean your greenhouse in time for winter and sow hardy annuals for flowering next year.
October
Utilise the fallen leaves and pile them up to make leaf mould, or mix in with your compost bin. Dispose of any diseased or material with signs of fungal infection. Take hardwood cutting from shrubs and fruit bushes. Collect berries from trees and shrubs for seed sowing. Divide perennials, and finish planting new climbers and perennials. Protect Alpines from winter wet. Plant out your Lily and Tulip bulbs. lift and divide your Rhubarb Last chance to harvest Apples and pears before they are damaged. Lift and store tender perennials. lift and store your potatoes and carrots. If you still have some time up your sleeve, then make some early sowings of broad beans for next year and get a start to sowing sweet peas undercover
November
Now is the time to get the garden tidied for the winter .clear out your bird boxes and get feeders on the go. Plant your bare rooted trees, shrubs and new roses, remember to protect these from the wind. get your tulip bulbs in and finish off any winter digging. Remember to stay off your lawn after a frost to avoid damage and get your lawnmower in for a service. Get those Dahlias lifted and stored. Last chance to get spring bedding in and don’t forget the Garlic. You can get started to winter pruning of your decidious trees and get on with the renovation of your hedges.
December
Spray your fruit trees and roses with a tar oil winter wash. Keep feeding the birds and remember not to let bird baths and water features freeze over. Good chance to get the fence and shed repairs done also get the path cleaned. Repair lawns if the weather conditions allow. Sow your Alpine plant seed, get your celery lifted and heeled in for winter supplies and earth up your tall Brussel sprout stems for support. Protect plants and pots vulnerable to frost damage and insulate your garden taps and exposed pipes. Sow some pelargonium seed and early crops under cover to get ahead for next spring.