Monthly Gardening Guides

 

O(caps)rganic gardening is not just a summer activity, but There are many projects and tasks to stay on top of a healthy, organic garden all year round. Here are a some gardening tasks and projects that you can do to help keep your garden looking it's best for the gardening season, and prepare for the long cold winter and upcoming spring. 

October Gardening Tips and Tasks

October is the perfect month to begin composting. Simply pile up all those leaves you’ve raked with yard clippings and select food waste, and microbes will naturally break down the organic matter to create a nutrient-rich soil. The decomposition process takes a few months, so start your pile today, and by springtime you’ll have a rich black gold compost to nourish your garden, and prepare for the long cold winter and upcoming spring.

  

Clean out the greenhouse 

• If you're overwintering tender plants, choose a mild spell to empty your greenhouse completely. Cover plants or take them into the house, if necessary. Brush down framework and staging, then sweep the floor.

• Remove everything from the greenhouse. Slugs can hide anywhere and the best way to find them is to take out any removable benching, pots, tools, so that every corner can be reached.

• Clean the glass. Your goal is to keep the glass or polyurethane as clear as possible, as well as to kill any harmful microbial growth on the inner surface.

• Disinfect all your pots, trays and tools, just to make sure that pests and diseases don’t overwinter. Wipe down surfaces with scouring sponge and wash flower pots and seed trays with disinfectant before thoroughly rinsing.

• Disinfect the growing and plant handling areas, and irrigation system

Remember that full sun on your greenhouse means full production !

Prepare Your Soil For Next Year's Growing Season

Preparing your garden soil for planting is a critical step in ensuring the success of organic gardening.

What produces nutrient rich soil ?

Worms and compost go together like soil and garden plants. Worms are key factors in breaking down organic matter in a compost bed or pile. They recycle food scraps and decaying plant matter by running it through their digestive tracts, excreting nutrient-rich castings that are beneficial to garden soil.

Watch Earthworms in My Organic Garden video

Making your own worm composting bed ensures you'll have a place for happy, healthy worms, which ultimately results in happy, healthy soil, and you'll be helping the environment recycle organic matter.

• Clean up the garden beds.
• Remove all dead vegetation.
• Add a layer of finished compost as chicken manure and mulch.

Watch How to Add Chicken Manure to The Garden Video 

What to Plant

Plant: Vegetable seeds. Beets, Carrot, Mustard, Onion, Garden Pea, Radishes, Spinach.

Plant: Vegetable plants. Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Lettuce, Spinach, Turnip, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Greens, Lettuce, and Spinach can be planted throughout the fall, if they are given frost protection.

Plant: Herbs. All perennial herb plants; also Cilantro, Dill, Fennel, Parsley.

Plant: Seeds. Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Fennel,  Parsley, Summer Savory.

Plant: Annual flower/ornamental seeds. Sweet Alyssum, Calendula, Centaurea, Coreopsis, Larkspur, Nasturtium, Pansy, Poppy, Snapdragon, Sweet Pea.

November Gardening Tips and Tasks 

November is usually the last chance of the season for any digging !

If you have vegetable or annual beds that are empty, consider a cover crop or some mulch to protect the soil from compaction. This is one of the best times for mulching. You can use bark, compost, leaves, or straw. This will help to protect the surface from freezing air and reduce weed growth. Top up your mulch on all your garden beds. Make sure you choose sustainable, low environmental impact mulch, that’ll enrich your soil as it breaks down. Add mulch around planting.  Mulch helps limit soil temperature swings, which can prevent frost heave. Just remember that one to two inches of mulch is generally sufficient. 

Jobs In The Garden

• Remove fallen leaves from lawns, pond and borders
• Plant spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils and freesias

Want to read:

➡️ How to Grow Narcissus in Pots

➡️ Narcissus Daffodil Flower Bulbs

• Prune bush and climbing roses.
• Protect newly planted hedges from wind and cold by using a temporary windbreak.
• Plant roses.
• Cut back faded perennials and add these to the compost heap.
• Dig new flower beds, so the weather can help breakdown the soil for a better structure for planting in the spring.
• Sow some broad beans These beans, which are also known as ‘fava’ beans, are a cool weather crop and can be sown in autumn.

• Plant some tulip bulbs. By planting them this late in the year, you’ll have a much better chance of preventing the bulbs being infected with the fungal disease.

Want to read:

➡️  How to Plant Tulip Bulbs in Pots

➡️  Tulip Flower Bulbs

Video to watch:

➡️  Planting Tulip Bulbs in Pots

• November is the time to clean out bird nesting boxes.
• Plant tree guards or chicken wire around young trees and woody shrubs that are prone to attacks from rabbits, deer or squirrels. This will stop them nibbling on the bark, which could let diseases in.
• Continue watering evergreens until the ground freezes. Soils must not be dry when winter arrives.
• November is the ideal time to plant trees and shrubs. Before digging the hole, prepare the site by loosening the soil well beyond the drip line of each plant.
• To prevent insects or diseases from overwintering in the garden, remove and compost all plant debris.
• Remove all debris and dead plants, and ventilate occasionally. 
• Water very little to reduce the risk of grey mould disease.    
• Set up a greenhouse frost protection heater to protect tender plants, such as geraniums or fuchsias.    
• Rake fallen leaves.
• Have your soil tested this month, the test will also tell you how much lime to add this fall.

December Gardening Tips & Tasks 

December tends to be a month of general maintenance and enjoying the results of the previous work.

Tips and Tasks For The Month

• Check your winter protection structures are still securely in place.
• Prune older flowered side shoots back by two thirds of their length.
• Check climbers are securely attached with plant ties to their supports.
• Protect any remaining sensible plants left in the soil by covering with straw.
• Cover heavy clay soil with polythene to keep it drier and allow winter digging.
• Remove any mummified remaining fruits, and rake up and dispose of old leaves and branches that may harbor diseases over   the winter.
• Continue to rake fallen leaves off lawns, so it doesn’t block out light and air to the grass.
• You can still apply autumn lawn food, which is high in potassium and phosphorous and helps to harden the grass and build   a strong root system.
• Dig over empty borders and pile manure on top.
• Remove as much visible weed growth as you can.
• Now it is the perfect time to prune fruit trees to maintain, balanced structure and encourage quality fruit production. 
• Remember, plums, cherries and other stone fruits should not be pruned until the summer as winter pruning will make them susceptible to silver leaf fungus.
• After the first frost, add a 2-inch layer of pine straw or finely shredded pine bark mulch around the bases of your trees and shrubs. You can also use fallen leaves
• If you are using your leaves as mulch in garden beds, it might be beneficial to shred them with the lawn mower before raking. The smaller pieces turn to compost more quickly, improving the soil in the spring.
• Don't forget to stock up on birdseed and keep those feeders full this winter.

 January Gardening Tips and Tasks 

January might be the middle of winter, but as the days lengthen, the garden starts to grow. Now is a great time to plan for the coming gardening year and to order seeds and plants.

Tips and Tasks For The Month

• Top up mulch on your veggie patches, herb gardens and ornamental beds.
•  Prune rose bushes now whilst they are dormant. Cut back to just above a bud and remove any crossing or dead branches.
• Cut down the old stems of perennial plants like Sedum and be careful of any new growth.
• Start growing potatoes in containers under cover for a very early crop.

• It’s time to start tomato and pepper seeds indoors. You'll need a heated greenhouse or cold frame, or supplemental lighting indoors. If you're starting your seeds in the house, a window can sometimes work, but only if you're careful not to let the seedlings burn, and you also need to rotate the seedlings daily to keep a strong, straight stem. If you choose to use supplemental lighting, place your grow lights no more than two to three inches above the seedlings and raise them as the seedlings grow. 
• Prepare vegetable gardens for spring
• This is your last chance to prune grapes, fruit trees and other plants for the dormant season. The weather warms up and buds begin to break in February.
• If you’ve had a vegetable garden for a few years, have a soil test done. It’ll help you determine which amendments to add and what to avoid. Your plants will be healthier, and it may even save you money in the coming season.
• Winter’s the best time to install an efficient drip irrigation system.
• You can still plant garlic in January or February.

. This is a good time to apply garden lime, especially in the vegetable plot. Lime and manure should never be applied at the same time, so where manure was dug in during the Autumn, put the lime on now.

 February Gardening Tips and Tasks

As winter's chill begins to loosen its grip, February heralds the anticipation of spring. It's the perfect time for gardeners to get a head start on the growing season. Let's explore some essential gardening tips and tasks to make the most of this transitional month!

Prepare Your Soil:

Before the growing season kicks into high gear, take the time to amend your soil. Incorporate organic matter like compost to enhance its fertility and structure. Testing the soil's pH and adjusting it if necessary can set the stage for thriving plants.

Prune with Purpose:

February is an ideal month for pruning dormant trees and shrubs. Remove dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth and shape plants as needed. Be cautious not to prune spring-blooming plants, as they may have already set their buds.

Start Seeds Indoors:

For those eager to get a jump on the growing season, start seeds indoors. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs can be started indoors and transplanted outdoors when the weather is more favorable. Use seed trays, clean pots and a quality seed starting mix, and provide adequate light for robust seedling development.

Plan Your Garden Layout:

Use this time to sketch out your garden layout for the upcoming season. Consider crop rotation, companion planting, and the sunlight requirements of each plant. Planning ahead can help optimize space and promote a healthier garden ecosystem.

Protect Against Frost:

While February may bring milder temperatures, frost is still a concern in many regions. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to protect vulnerable plants with frost blankets or row covers. Container plants can be moved to sheltered areas during cold spells.

Primp Your Perennials:

Now is the time to cut back any dead foliage on your perennial plants. Trim ornamental grasses and remove any winter mulch that may still be covering your flower beds. This allows new growth to emerge unencumbered.

Feed Your Feathered Friends:

Don't forget about your garden's non-human inhabitants! Set up bird feeders and baths to attract and support local bird populations. They can be valuable allies in pest control and add a delightful touch of nature to your garden.

February is a pivotal month in the gardening calendar, signaling the transition from winter dormancy to the promise of spring. By following these gardening tips and tasks, you'll not only nurture your garden but also cultivate the excitement of the growing season ahead.

 March Gardening Tips and Tasks

Embracing the Arrival of Spring

As the last remnants of winter fade away, March signals the beginning of a new gardening season filled with possibilities. The days are getting longer, and nature is awakening from its slumber. It's time to roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and dive into these essential tips and tasks to make the most of the burgeoning spring:

Prepare Your Soil:

Give your garden beds some love by enriching the soil. Add organic matter, compost, or well-rotted manure to nourish the soil and improve its structure. This sets the stage for healthy plant growth throughout the season.

Start Seeds Indoors:

For plants that require a longer growing season, kickstart the process by sowing seeds indoors. Tomatoes, peppers, and annual flowers are excellent candidates. Provide them with adequate light, warmth, and moisture to ensure robust seedlings.

Prune and Trim:

March is the ideal time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches, shape the plants, and encourage a strong, healthy structure. Don't forget to check for signs of pests and diseases.

Divide Perennials:

Revitalize your perennial beds by dividing overgrown plants. This not only rejuvenates them but also provides an opportunity to expand your garden. Be sure to water them well after division to help with the transition.

Plant Cool-Season Vegetables:

Take advantage of the cool temperatures by planting vegetables that thrive in these conditions. Lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes can be sown directly in the garden. Consider using row covers to protect them from late frosts.

Mulch and Weed:

Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and regulate soil temperature. Take the time to weed your garden beds, removing any unwanted plants before they become a nuisance.

Inspect and Clean Tools:

Before the gardening season kicks into high gear, inspect your tools. Sharpen blades, clean off rust, and replace any damaged or worn-out equipment. Having well-maintained tools makes gardening tasks more efficient.

Plan Your Garden Layout:

Use this time to finalize your garden layout for the season. Consider crop rotation, companion planting, and the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. Sketch out a plan that maximizes sunlight and promotes a harmonious arrangement.

Attract Beneficial Insects:

Encourage a healthy ecosystem by attracting beneficial insects to your garden. Plant flowers that provide nectar and pollen, such as marigolds, borage, calendula and lavender. This natural pest control helps maintain a balance in your garden.

Embrace Sustainable Practices:

Explore eco-friendly gardening practices, such as composting, rainwater harvesting, and using natural pest deterrents. Sustainable gardening not only benefits the environment but also contributes to the overall health of your plants. March is a month of anticipation and preparation in the garden. By staying proactive and addressing these tasks, you set the stage for a vibrant and successful growing season. Embrace the beauty of spring and watch your garden come to life! 🌱🌷

April Gardening Tips and Tasks

Welcome to the magical world of April gardening, where the air is crisp, and the soil is ripe with possibilities. As winter bids a final farewell and spring dances its way into our gardens, it's time for every aspiring horticulturist to don their gardening gloves and embrace the burst of life that April brings. In this guide, we present to you ten gardening tips and tasks that will not only nurture your plants but also infuse a sense of joy and connection with the green wonders around you. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just a beginner, these tips are designed to be as delightful as they are effective. So, let's embark on a journey of growth, color, and a touch of whimsy as we explore the April gardening essentials!

Mulch Magic:

Give your garden beds a cozy blanket of mulch. It's like a comfy sweater for your plants, keeping their roots warm and preventing weed invaders from crashing the party.

Rainy Day Harvest:

April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring ripe veggies. Take advantage of the rain-soaked soil to easily pluck those crunchy carrots and juicy radishes for a fresh, earthy snack.

Compost Karaoke:

Turn your composting routine into a sing-along session. Microbes love a good tune, and a lively compost pile means nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Sing your heart out and watch your garden flourish!

Bee Buddy Brunch:

Set up a buzzing buffet for our essential pollinator pals. Plant bee-friendly flowers like borage, lavender and sunflowers, creating a vibrant garden café for your bee buddies to feast upon.

Petal Picasso:

Get creative with your flower arrangements. Pick a colorful bouquet from your garden and arrange them in funky vases. Let your inner artist bloom as you showcase nature's masterpiece in your home.

Sun Salutation for Plants:

Rotate your pots like a yogi in downward dog. Ensure each plant gets its fair share of sunlight, promoting even growth and preventing any green envy among your foliage friends.

Snail Slumber Party Prevention:

Host a garden watch party to keep snails away. Scatter crushed eggshells or coffee grounds around your plants—snails find the crunchy terrain uncomfortable, and your plants stay safe.

Plot Picnic Planning:

Transform your garden into a cozy picnic spot. Lay out a blanket, grab your favorite snacks, and enjoy the April breeze amidst the blossoms. It's a picnic-perfect way to bond with your green companions.

Vegetable Treasure Hunt:

Give your kids a taste of the outdoors with a vegetable treasure hunt. Hide colorful veggies like tomatoes and peppers among the foliage, turning harvesting time into an exciting adventure.

As April bids us farewell, I hope these gardening tips and tasks have added a sprinkle of magic to your green space. From dancing with your plants to hosting snail slumber party prevention strategies, this month has been a delightful journey of nurturing, learning, and connecting with nature. Remember, gardening is not just about cultivating plants; it's about cultivating joy, patience, and a sense of wonder. As you continue your gardening endeavors beyond April, may your blooms be plentiful, your harvests bountiful, and your connection with the earth everlasting.

April Gardening Tips and Tasks

The Marvelous Mulch Move:

Spread mulch like a superhero cape around your plants. It's not just for looks - mulch retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps your soil cool when the sun turns up the heat.

Dance of the Watering Can:

Water your plants like you're dancing at a garden party! Aim for the base, not the leaves, to keep them hydrated without encouraging pesky diseases. Think of it as a refreshing rain shower for your green pals.

Weed Whacking Fiesta:

Host a weed whacking fiesta! Tackle those intruders before they become garden party crashers. Pull them out by the roots, and your plants will thank you for protecting their turf.

Flower Power Pep Talk:

Give your flowers a pep talk. Deadhead spent blooms with encouraging words, letting them know it's time to produce new buds. It's like a motivational speech for your blossoms to keep blooming!

Buzzworthy Bee Banquet:

Set a bee banquet! Plant bee-friendly flowers like lavender and sunflowers. Bees are your garden's VIP pollinators, and a buzzing garden is a happy, thriving one.

Tomato Tango Technique:

Master the tomato tango technique. Stake your tomato plants for a coordinated dance - this prevents fruit from touching the soil, reducing the risk of disease. Tomatoes are divas; give them space to shine!

Sunshine Serenade for Veggies:

Give your veggies a sunshine serenade. Ensure they're basking in at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. They're like sun-lovers on a tropical vacation - the more rays, the better the flavor!

Compost Symphony:

Create a compost symphony! Turn your kitchen scraps into gardening gold. Compost enriches soil, reduces waste, and turns your garden into a nutrient-rich paradise. It's recycling at its finest!

Pest Party Prevention:

Be the bouncer at the pest party. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and spiders to keep the undesirable guests, like aphids, out. Your garden is an exclusive club for helpful bugs only!

Lavish Love on Lawns:

Shower some love on your lawn. Aerate, fertilize, and give it a good mow. Your lawn will feel like a pampered celebrity, and you'll have a green carpet ready for the next outdoor soirée!

June Gardening Tips and Tasks

Welcome to the blooming wonderland of June, where gardens burst into full-fledged symphonies of color and life! As the sun takes center stage, so do your plants, demanding a bit of extra love and care. In this guide, we unveil essential June Gardening Tips and Tasks that are not just practical but sprinkled with a touch of gardening magic. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a budding plant parent, these tips will not only keep your garden thriving but make the journey a joyous dance with nature. So, grab your gardening gloves and get ready to waltz through a month of vibrant blooms, happy plants, and a sprinkle of gardening enchantment!

Sunscreen for Soil:

Just like you protect your skin from the scorching sun, shield your soil too! Mulch is like sunscreen for the earth, preventing it from getting sunburned. Spread a cozy layer around your plants to keep the soil cool and hydrated.

Plant Parenthood

Become a proud plant parent by giving your green buddies some extra TLC. Check for pests, sing them a lullaby (optional but encouraged), and make sure they're not too crowded. Remember, a happy plant is a thriving plant!

Water, But Don't Drown!

Plants love a good drink, but they're not big fans of waterlogged feet. Be the Goldilocks of watering – not too much, not too little, but just right. Stick your finger in the soil; if it feels like a moist cake, your plants are content.

Weed Whispers:

Show those weeds who's boss by pulling them out with confidence. Channel your inner garden detective and seek out those sneaky invaders. Your plants will appreciate the extra breathing room, and you'll feel like a weed warrior!

Bloom Boom:

June is the month of flower fireworks! Encourage a burst of blooms by deadheading faded flowers. It's like giving your plants a VIP ticket to the beauty pageant – they'll strut their stuff with fresh, vibrant petals.

Nourish with Nature's Smoothie:

Whip up a green smoothie for your plants by mixing organic compost into the soil. It's like a nutrient-packed treat that boosts their health and vitality. Your garden will thank you with a parade of robust, happy plants.

Bug Banter:

June bugs might think they're invited to the garden party, but it's time to show them the exit. Introduce friendly insects like ladybugs and praying mantises – they're the bouncers that keep the unwanted guests in check.

DIY Rain Dance:

Don't let June showers catch you off guard. Set up rain barrels to collect nature's free hydration. Your plants will adore the pure, unadulterated rainwater, and you'll feel like a water-saving wizard.

Green Tea for Plants:

Treat your plants to a fancy tea party with a homemade green tea spray. It's a natural way to fend off pests and boost their immune system. Your garden will be the talk of the town, sipping on elegance and thriving in style.

Conclusion:

As we wrap up this month's gardening journey, it's truly heartening to witness the growth and beauty that careful attention and nurturing can bring to our green spaces. Our monthly gardening tips and tasks have aimed not just to guide but to cultivate a sense of joy and fulfillment in every gardening endeavor. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just beginning to discover the wonders of gardening, we hope these insights have proven valuable.

Remember, each passing month offers new opportunities and challenges in the garden. From sowing seeds of anticipation in early spring to the vibrant burst of colors in summer and the cozy preparations for winter, our gardens evolve with the seasons.

As you reflect on the month's gardening tasks, take a moment to celebrate the small victories – the first bloom, the successfully propagated plant, or even the satisfaction of knowing you've created a haven for pollinators. Gardening is not just about nurturing plants; it's about cultivating a connection with nature and finding joy in the simple act of tending to life.

Looking ahead, let the changing seasons inspire you to experiment, learn, and adapt. Embrace the ebb and flow of your garden, and, most importantly, relish in the therapeutic benefits that gardening offers – a chance to unwind, connect with the earth, and witness the miracles of growth.

I encourage you to share your own gardening stories, challenges, and triumphs. The gardening community is a vast and supportive network, and your experiences can inspire and guide fellow enthusiasts on their own horticultural journeys.

Happy gardening!

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