Monthly Garden Jobs
January Garden Jobs
Feed Winter Birds Regularly
If snow falls, clear snow away from ground feeders or scatter food on a raised, sheltered surface. Birds cannot access food buried under snow or ice.
Clean and Sharpen Garden Tools
Clean garden tools by removing dirt, scrubbing rust with vinegar/steel wool, and disinfecting blades to prevent disease. Once dry, sharpen the bevel of the blades with a file or stone, remove the resulting burr, and apply oil to all metal parts for protection against rust.
Clear Snow From Greenhouse Roof
To safely remove snow, use a soft broom or an extendable squeegee to gently push or pull the snow off the roof from the ground, taking care not to scrape or damage the glazing material. If you must use heat, apply minimal, localized warmth inside (like a small fan heater) to slightly warm the roof and encourage the snow to slide off naturally.
Other January Tasks
- Check stored bulbs and tubers for rot
- Force bulbs indoors for early flowers
- Insulate outdoor taps and pipes
February Garden Jobs
Sow Early Seeds
Start sowing tomatoes, peppers and aubergines in a heated propagator
Chit Seed Potatoes
Place seed potatoes in egg boxes to sprout before planting
Apply Mulch to Borders
To mulch effectively, clear the area of weeds, then spread a layer of organic material like wood chips or compost 2 to 3 inches thick over the border. Crucially, keep the mulch pulled back a few inches from the base of trees, shrubs, and perennial stems to prevent moisture build-up, which can cause rot.
Other February Tasks
- Plant bare-root trees and hedges
- Prepare vegetable beds for spring
- Clean out bird boxes ready for nesting
- Start mowing lawn on dry days
March Garden Jobs
Plant Summer Bulbs
Plant gladioli, lilies and other summer-flowering bulbs
Sow Hardy Annuals
Direct sow hardy annuals like calendula and cornflowers outdoors
Feed Lawns
Apply spring lawn fertiliser to encourage lush green growth
Other March Tasks
- Divide herbaceous perennials
- Plant early potatoes
- Prune shrubs that flower on new wood
- Start regular weeding sessions
- Sow vegetables under cover
- Repair lawn edges and bare patches
April Garden Jobs
Plant Containers
Fill pots and hanging baskets with spring bedding plants
Sow Vegetables
Direct sow carrots, beetroot, lettuce and other vegetables
Deadhead Spring Bulbs
Remove faded flowers from daffodils and tulips
Other April Tasks
- Harden off tender plants in cold frame
- Plant maincrop potatoes
- Stake tall perennials before they flop
- Watch for aphids and treat early
- Mow lawn weekly as growth increases
- Plant aquatic plants in ponds
May Garden Jobs
Plant Out Bedding
After last frost, plant out summer bedding and tender vegetables
Water Regularly
Establish watering routine for containers and new plantings
Pinch Out Tomatoes
Remove side shoots from cordon tomatoes for better fruiting
Other May Tasks
- Earth up potatoes to prevent greening
- Protect crops from late frosts with fleece
- Deadhead roses and repeat-flowering plants
- Thin out seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Feed flowering plants with liquid fertiliser
- Hoe borders regularly to control weeds
June Garden Jobs
Harvest Early Crops
Pick salad leaves, radishes and early potatoes regularly
Net Soft Fruit to Protect From Birds
Build a strong frame over the fruit area to keep the netting elevated, then stretch a fine-mesh net over the frame and firmly secure all edges to the ground to block birds from accessing the fruit.
Shade Greenhouse
Apply shading paint or blinds to prevent overheating
Other June Tasks
- Tie in climbing roses and clematis
- Sow biennials for next year
- Deadhead bedding plants regularly
- Water containers daily in hot weather
- Cut back oriental poppies after flowering
July Garden Jobs
Water Deeply
Water plants thoroughly in early morning or evening
Raise Mower Blades
Raising mower blades helps the lawn retain moisture and improves grass health by allowing for longer blades which shade the roots. The taller cut reduces stress on the grass, promoting deeper root growth and making the lawn more resilient against dry conditions and heat.
Feed Tomatoes Weekly
Start feeding tomatoes weekly with a balanced liquid fertilizer once the first fruits appear, then transition to a high-potash tomato food every seven to ten days to maximize yield. Always apply this fertilizer to already moist soil, ideally right after watering, to prevent root damage and ensure optimal nutrient absorption.
Other July Tasks
- Trim lavender after flowering
- Take semi-ripe cuttings from shrubs
- Lift and divide bearded irises
- Order spring bulbs for autumn planting
August Garden Jobs
Collect Seeds
Gather seeds from favourite flowers for next year
Trim Hedges For The Last Time This Year
This timing prevents new, tender growth that would be vulnerable to early autumn frosts while maintaining a tidy, defined structure throughout the winter months.
Keep Ponds Topped Up In Hot Weather
Consistently top up ponds with dechlorinated water to counteract high evaporation rates and maintain stable water levels, which is crucial for the health of fish and aquatic plants.
Other August Tasks
- Continue harvesting fruit and vegetables
- Plant autumn-flowering bulbs
- Cut back perennials that have finished flowering
- Prune Rambling Roses
- Sow Winter Salads
- Plant strawberry runners for next year
September Garden Jobs
Plant Spring Bulbs
Plant daffodils, crocuses and other spring bulbs
Scarify Lawns
Remove thatch and moss from lawns for healthier grass
Harvest Apples
Pick apples and pears when ripe and store carefully
Other September Tasks
- Divide herbaceous perennials
- Plant new perennials while soil is warm
- Collect and compost fallen leaves
- Sow green manure on empty beds
- Bring tender plants indoors before frost
- Net ponds to catch falling leaves
October Garden Jobs
Empty and Compost Summer Pots
Empty and compost spent summer bedding and old potting soil from containers in October to clear space and eliminate potential overwintering spots for pests and diseases.
Rake up Leaves From Lawns Weekly
Rake leaves from your lawn weekly to prevent them from smothering the grass, which can lead to light deprivation, turf damage, and fungal diseases. Use a flexible leaf rake on dry leaves for the easiest collection, focusing on quick, regular removal to keep your lawn healthy.
Plant Garlic
Plant garlic cloves for harvest next summer
Other October Tasks
- Lift and store dahlia tubers after frost
- Clear out summer bedding plants
- Plant tulip bulbs for spectacular spring displays
- Plant bare-root roses and fruit trees
- Insulate greenhouse with bubble wrap
- Cut back dying perennial foliage
November Garden Jobs
Protect Tender Plants
Wrap pots and protect tender plants from frost damage
Dig Over Beds
Dig heavy soil and leave rough for winter weathering
Prune Roses
Reduce height of bush roses to prevent wind rock
Other November Tasks
- Plant bare-root hedging plants
- Clean and oil garden tools before storing
- Drain outdoor taps and hoses
- Continue collecting fallen leaves
- Check tree stakes and ties
- Put out food for garden birds
December Garden Jobs
Winter Tidy
Clear away dead plant material and tidy borders
Check Stored Produce
Inspect stored fruit, vegetables and bulbs for rot
Plan Next Year
Browse seed catalogues and plan your garden for next year
Other December Tasks
- Shake snow off evergreen branches
- Ventilate greenhouse on mild days
- Continue winter pruning of fruit trees
- Protect pots from frost with bubble wrap
- Keep bird baths ice-free
- Order seed potatoes for spring