January

When it's freezing cold outside you may not think there is much to in the garden but January is a month of getting things ready for when the Spring comes. Add a little compost and then a thick layer of mulch, you can also re-cycle your Christmas tree and use the branches for mulch, this will protect the new growth underneath. It's also a good time to clear all the fallen leaves, dead and broken branches and other clutter this will ensure your garden is clean and tidy. It will also eliminate hiding places for slugs and snails.

This is also a good time to think about the birds as there is not much food around for them to eat. You can buy bird feeders or if you don't have a bird feeder you can just place a piece of plywood or thick cardboard on the lawn to put the food on.

January is also a good time to think about any improvements you want to make to your garden, such as a decking area, brick barbeque, paths or a new patio so that when the spring/summer comes you can enjoy the garden and not have to worry about any alterations.

February

Keep feeding the birds with your bird feeders as food will be difficult for them to get and you want them to be around when the weather warms up again to help get rid of insects.

This is also a good time to get all your garden tools oiled, cleaned and sharpened in readiness for the months ahead - don't leave it until the better weather to get your lawn mower into shape.

If you get snow this month make sure your shake or brush it off the branches of your shrubs and evergreens and if possible try to keep it off the lawn because trampling in these conditions can cause damage. If the lawn gets waterlogged use a fork to aid drainage. Collect up any leaves that are lying around the garden and put them on the compost heap and now is a good time to turn the compost.

Start pruning your summer flowering shrubs, for example clematis the ones that flower in May and June and honeysuckle and climbing roses should be thinned out to get rid of last years tangled growth. Be aware when pruning that spring bloomers have already produced their buds last autumn and pruning them now may result in loss of flowers. Early spring flowering shrubs like forsythia should be pruned a little later after they have finished flowering. Start your pruning by removing all dead, decayed or broken branches. Pruning improves the shape of the plant as well as opening up the centre of the plant for air circulation and better exposure to the sun. Check all ties on trellises and climbers so they are ready for when they start sprouting in the spring and summer. Prepare spring borders by adding well-rotted farmyard manure so that when it's time for planting the soil will be full of nutrients.

House plants will begin to grow with the longer days and now is a good time to start feeding them again, you can use a diluted fertilizer mix about 50% until the growth is robust.

Many people are now looking towards growing their own vegetables as the costs keeping rising in the supermarkets so now is the time to start. Start by preparing the soil and getting it warm, this can be done by laying sheets of clear polythene across the beds, lay stones round the edges to stop it blowing away.

March

It's now time to get busy in the garden after the relative quiet winter months. This is an ideal time to plant hedges and evergreens make sure that you water them when the weather is dry. However don't plant anything that is susceptible to frost as you could still get some ground frosts in March. Deadhead any bulbs (daffodils) that are looking a bit worse for wear, this will focus the energy on flowers and concentrate more on fattening up the bulbs. As the new shoots arrive so will the slugs and snails so make sure you put down your slug pellets, broken egg shells of whatever you find most effective to stop them undoing all your hard work. It's also time to get on top of your weeding so they don't deprive your plants of valuable nutrients. Remember once the weeds go to seed you can be fighting that weed seed for up to seven years or more. Most weeds can be pulled out of the garden whilst they are young. It's also time to look at the lawn, rake it over to remove any dead grass, if you have bare patches re-seed them and then give the whole lawn a spring feed. If moss is a problem you can use a combination fertilizer and moss killer and apply them together.

Don't forget to turn the compost pile and also add any mulch which has been removed from the garden.

For the vegetable garden get your seed potatoes sprouting by putting them on end in a box, place the box in your shed or on a cool window sill. You can sow sprouts, broad beans, parsley, radishes and carrots, don't sow them all at once plant some a few weeks later so they you don't have too many ready at one time. If you have birdhouses now is the time to clean them out so they will be ready when the birds return.

April

April is a great time in the garden as it really comes to life with all the spring flowers such as daffodils and tulips. Before your daffodils die down give them a boost with a liquid feed this will fill them with nutrients next year. If you want to plant shrubs and trees there is still time but you need to do it now as by the middle of the month it will be too late. For any hydrangeas with flower heads from the winter now is the time to prune these back. Deadhead any primulas pansies and other spring bedding plants, if you attend to your pansies frequently they can carry on into the spring and even early summer. This is also the month for planting summer flowering bulbs like lilies, dahlias and gladiolas. Make sure you guide climbing plants along supports regularly. Towards the end of the month you may want to think about planting some hardy plants like chrysanthemums and cornflowers. For gardens with ponds you should set aquatic plants after the middle of the month. Also keep on top of the weeds so they don't spread out of control or set seed later in the year.

The lawn will start to grow quickly now and will need regular mowing. Don't mow the lawn when it's wet as it will damage the grass and you could end up with bald patches or a muddy mess. For a healthy lawn, weed and feed regularly.

May

May should be a time to enjoy the garden and hopefully the better weather, however there are still things that need to be done.

Deciduous shrubs that flower early should be pruned back when the blooms have finished. It you haven't fertilized your trees and shrubs it's not too late, you can use an evergreen or rhododendron type of plant food to feed evergreens and acid loving plants like azaleas or rhododendrons. For roses you should use an all-purpose garden fertilizer. Make sure after the fertilizer is applied that you water thoroughly. If you have pink hydrangeas work some lime in the soil around them to produce pink flowers and for blue use aluminum sulphate. Keep an eye on your roses and spray them against aphids and other pests and any diseases like black spot. Make sure you keep your tubs and hanging baskets well watered using rain water you have collected from the garden if possible.

If you want to grown your own tomatoes and cucumber outside, mid to late May is the best time to do this.

This is also a good month to make repairs to your lawn. Sow a good quality lawn seed to fill in the bare spots, do this by slightly loosening the surface of the soil in these areas, pat the seed in gently and water. Don't forget to keep on top of the weeds by hand pulling them out of the lawn. A tip when mowing the grass is to set the mower for a higher cut during the spring months this will help the grass to grow in fuller.

June

Now is the time to plant up your pots, troughs or containers if you haven't already done so these will add lots of colour to the garden and at the front of your home. If you have hanging baskets prune as required to keep them in shape, to keep them looking at their best remove any faded flowers and over vigorous growth. Make sure you water all your plants during the dry weather and the best time to do this is in the early evening once the sun has gone down. If you have roses make sure you deadhead the flowering plants. Be on the look out for any pests that could build up on your plants, make sure you spray them regularly and cut out any infected growth. If the weather is warm and wet make sure you keep the slugs at bay with slug traps or pellets. Keep an eye on your climbers to make sure any wayward growth is tied in. This is also a good time to plant out half hardy annuals. You can give your hedges their first cut and trim topiary as required.

A good tip for the lawn is to move any garden furniture regularly this will allow the lawn to recover and avoid any yellow or worn spots. Keep on top of the mowing, in dry conditions don't cut the grass to close. You also need to keep on top of the weeding making sure you pull them out completely. If you have a greenhouse in the hot weather damp down the greenhouse floor to humidify and cool. This can also be a good time to have a look at your neighbor's gardens to give you new ideas for next year.

July

To encourage a second flush cut back perennials that have already flowered. You still have time to take cuttings of any shrubs that you wish to replace as well as cuttings of patio and container plants for next year. Use a hoe to keep boarders free from weeds. Any shrubs or trees that you have planted in the last 9 months keep an eye on the soil and when it starts to dry out give them a good soak. Check your ties on shrubs to make sure they are not to tight and constricting growth and slacken them. Keep an eye out for diseases and pests and treat accordingly. Throughout the growing season you can trim fast growing hedges such as leylandii.

During periods of drought give your lawn plenty to drink and don't cut the grass too short.

In hot and humid weather it is important to spray potato crops to guard against potato blight, also keep an eye out for any diseases or pests in the vegetable and flower gardens and action where appropriate. Also apply small amounts of fertilizer. You should be able to harvest your vegetables such as peas, carrots, salad and spinach and you can start fruit picking plums, strawberries and raspberries.

As the nights are lighter and the weather is generally dry these are perfect conditions to smarten up your fences, sheds and garden furniture with a new coat of paint.

August

This is an ideal time to plant autumn crocuses and sowing pansy and violet seeds as well as jam making with all the abundance of summer fruit. Keep picking summer fruits and if you don't make jam then freeze any surplus to use later in the year. This is also the time to start picking apples. You also need to keep on top of the weeding as you don't want the weeds to set seed otherwise you will have so much more work to do next year, the seeds can lay dormant for up to seven years. Remember to keep your handing baskets well watered, deadheading and feeding should help to keep them looking good until the end of the summer. If you are going on holiday during this time try and get a family member or neighbor to water your garden regularly whilst you are away. With your roses make sure you deadhead them to encourage new flowers and also feed them when they are in full bloom. Do a check of your climbers making sure they are not too tight or even broken or too loose, if they are too tight make sure you loosen them to allow the plants to grow and climb.

Through periods of drought make sure you water everything, the best time to do this is early evening once the sun has gone down this way the water doesn't evaporate and stops scorching on the plants. To keep things looking neat and tidy and encourage more flowers, deadhead perennials and remove any yellow leaves. To keep your annuals flowering deadhead them regularly.

Make sure you look after your lawn by feeding and watering well it will look at it's best for when you are having barbeques and parties.

September

This is a time to get ready for next years early summer blooms by sowing sweet peas in the greenhouse or a cold frame. Sow hardy annuals such as poppies in the ground, however if you live in an area where you have very heavy clay soil for better results you could plant in containers or under cover, the seedlings are less likely to rot. Any spring flowering biennials such as foxglove or violas now is the time to plant them out. As well as planting any new perennials especially towards the end of this month this will give them time to get established before the real cold weather sets in. If you have any tender perennials like fuchsia bring them inside before the frosts can cause any damage. For best results plant daffodils and crocuses by mid-September for the best results but leave tulips until November. Keep an eye on your hanging baskets, deadhead, water and feed to keep them going until mid-autumn. If you want winter/spring hanging baskets replace them with spring flowering bulbs, trailing ivies, primroses, pansies and winter heathers. Fading and dying perennials continue to cut back. Perennials that are still forming seed heads continue collecting and storing seed for later use. Early autumn is a good time to apply weed killer to most perennial weeds this will ensure that the roots as well as the tops are killed.

This is also time to start getting your garden ready for the cold months ahead, give your lawn an autumn feed which is high in potash, re-seed any bare patches, and any areas where you get wet patches push a fork in as deep as you can, about six inches to help the drainage. Keep cutting the lawn every week or so and add your clippings to your compost heap mixing in well. Start tidying and clearing beds. If you feel your lawn has past it, mid September is a good time to lay new turf the summer sun is less intense at this time. Remove any dead flowers and cut back all dead stems and remove any annuals that have past it. Give your patios and decking a thorough scrub to get rid of any algae or moss, you can use a power washer or still brush for this.

October

As you drive around Milton Keynes you will see a riot of autumnal colour but it also means that the leaves will be failing so if you'll be busy clearing them from your garden this will make sure you don't get yellow patches on your lawn and add the leaves to your compost heap. Whilst the soil conditions are still warm enough you can finish sowing new lawns, if the soil is not too wet you can still lay turf.

Watch out Jack Frost is about! It's also time to start planting shrubs as well as wallflowers, foxgloves, sweet william and forget-me-nots, and new trees and you'll need to protect existing plants from the frost, you can do this by covering tender plants with horticultural fleece. With your pots a good tip is to raise them off the ground to avoid them sitting in water. You can empty your hanging baskets and pots of summer bedding and plant some evergreen plants to provide colour and interest from autumn to the spring, you can use dwarf conifers to make a structure and fill around them with seasonal bedding to provide flowers during milder spells. During dry spells you can plant bulbs, for a lovely late winter display plant some bulbous irses. Prepare your soil by digging over, make sure you get rid of any weeds and add well rotting compost. Give your roses a feed to strengthen them over the winter and cut back by about a third to stop them blowing about when the cold winds start. If you have a pond now is the time to prepare it for the winter, stretch a large piece of netting (small mesh) over the pond and water features, this will prevent falling leaves getting in the water. Before putting the netting on clear away any dying plants. Clear off leaves regularly and remove any that blow in with a small net being careful not to damage the pond liners.

Continue to harvest potatoes and carrots for storage making sure they are clean and dry, don't store any produce that shows signs of damage or infection. You can sow hardy varieties of peas and broad beans. If you have outdoor tomatoes even if they are not ripe finishing picking them to ripen indoors or hang the entire plant in the greenhouse to ripen on the vine. To check for early ripening apples that are ready to be harvested you can do this by cupping them in your hand gently and lifting them upwards, if the fruit comes away easily they are ripe. Early ripening apples don't store well so they need to be eaten straight away.

November

As long as the soil is not frozen or waterlogged you can plant deciduous shrubs and trees, stake them well to stop them from rocking. Keep on top of clearing decaying plant matter and fallen leaves because this is an ideal environment for harboring diseases and pests. To prevent damage around trees shrubs and herbaceous perennials firm the soil around them. If we should get some heavy snow this month which is quite a rare occasion but can happen knock the snow off your evergreens to avoid the branches being damaged by the extra weight. Because the lawn growth slows right down it's a good time to clean and service your lawnmower.

If you have any empty beds dig over and add manure this will be broken down by the elements. Prune roses (climbing and shrub) remove any dead wood and old flowers. Pests are dormant over winter so don't waste time and money spraying them, the spring is the best time to do this when you can be selective only killing off the unwanted ones. You can continue to plant spring-flowering bulbs but make sure you place them in the right depth. Perennials past their best can be cut right down , clear away the remains and add them to your compost pile. If you have gaps in borders fill them with wallflowers this will give an abundance of spring colour, for extra impact plant flowering tulips with contrasting colour between them. Beware of frosts they can bring a sudden end to fading summer displays. Put tender plants and crops under cover or keep a few sheets of fleece handy to put over plants to give some temporary protection. Pick up any falling leaves, if you have a large garden and want to make light work of it you can invest in a vacuum for the garden many of them have an internal shredder fitted that chops up the leaves as they pass in to a collecting bag and they can then be added to your compost heap.

December

Just because its cold outside there is still plenty that can be done in the garden like pruning deciduous shrubs and trees and sowing sweet peas. Remove debris and fallen leaves from the beds, boarders and lawn and add to your compost heap. If you have a fish pond a good tip to stop it freezing over is to throw a ball in and it makes an air hole. To allow light through to aquatic plants brush any snow off. Keep an eye on the weather forecast for any frost and cover any ferns with fleece to protect them. Keep containers and tubs tidy cut back and remove debris regularly, you can also mulch with compost. If the soil is wet when doing gardening work from a long plank of wood this avoids you treading directly on the soil and will help avoid compaction. In areas of heavy clay soil to improve drainage work in bulky organic matter like a composted bark. Remember to put your pots and patio containers onto bricks to avoid them sitting in water during the winter or they can be brought into the conservatory or greenhouse to avoid the frost getting them. You can also take your root cuttings now for plants such as perennial poppies and phlox. You can also sow alpines this month in order to protect them from excessive wet you can put a sheet of glass over the sown area. Get ordering your seed catalogues so that you can select next years perennial and bedding plants. If you order before the Spring you will have a better chance of getting all your chosen plants.

If you are thinking of getting a Christmas tree its much better for the environment to get a real one, real trees are grown in sustainable forests. Make sure the tree is potted or has a root, keep it outdoors until you need it. When you bring it indoors water it well keeping the water away from the lights.

Glossary

Alpines

Small, compact and generally non-invasive perennials, suitable for growing in rock gardens and troughs

Annual plant

A plant that normally completes its full cycle of growth, flowering and seeding in a single season, and then dies. Some annuals may be sown in autumn to flower the following spring.

Aquatic plant

This can mean any water plant such as Waterlilies and Nymphaea.

Compost

This can mean garden compost made from waste materials rotted down in a compost heap. A universal, soil-less compost is suitable for all normal sowing and potting needs, but there are different grades of soil-based compost. You can also buy special composts for rooting cuttings or for growing ericaceous (lime-hating) plants, orchids, and water plants.

Conifer

Perennial trees or shrubs that produce insignificant flowers followed by seed-bearing cones. Almost all are evergreen foliage plants, ranging in size from tall giants to miniature rock garden shrubs

Deciduous

Deciduous trees and shrubs shed all their leaves in autumn and early winter.

Evergreen

Evergreens keep their leaves all year and continue growing slowly in winter. The leaves are protected from frost by their thick, often waxy skin.

Half-hardy

Applied to annuals, this indicates that a plant is able to cope with temperatures down to 0°C (32°F) but not hard frost.

Hardy

A relative description meaning that a plant will normally survive outside in temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) without any special protection from the cold.

Perennial

Any plant with an indefinite life span of more than two years.

Root cutting

A short section of tree, shrub or perennial root, usually taken in winter while plants are resting.

For more information on Gardening please see our Gardening Tips For Milton Keynes article. Back to the index