Stay on top of your garden all year round with our monthly maintenance checklist. From pruning and planting to feeding and planning, these seasonal tips will help you make the most of every month in the garden.
Clean out rainwater gutters to prevent spring overflow and water damage.
In freezing weather, break ice on ponds to allow gas exchange—never hammer it, as the shock may harm fish.
Service the lawnmower—grass growth will resume before you know it!
Gently brush heavy snow off conifers and heathers to avoid breakage.
Turn compost heaps thoroughly—top to bottom, sides to the centre—to encourage even decomposition.
Repair damaged spouts, fences, trellises, steps, and walls. Clean and sterilise bird boxes.
Divide and replant snowdrops once flowering finishes.
Prune climbing roses, keeping 5–7 strong shoots and cutting others back to 3 buds above the base.
Prune shrub roses late in the month to promote fresh basal growth—remove older stems.
Complete formative pruning of young trees and shrubs; remove leaders if a bushy shape is desired.
Prune early-flowering shrubs like Forsythia and Hamamelis once blooming ends.
Continue dividing herbaceous perennials if needed.
Rake lawns to remove worm casts, twigs, and dead grass.
Lightly trim lavender to shape—avoid cutting into old wood.
Ventilate greenhouses and cold frames on warm days.
Water and feed newly planted trees and shrubs. Mulch to conserve moisture.
Clip evergreen hedges (e.g., privet, ivy, lonicera) and tidy up topiary.
Control weeds with regular hoeing, mulching (10cm), or spot treatment for perennials.
Watch for vivid red lily beetles—catch and destroy them on sight.
Set mower blades to summer height and apply high-nitrogen lawn feed.
Continue to stake and tie tall or top-heavy plants.
Deadhead roses regularly—cut to a leaf axil to promote repeat flowering.
Cut sweet peas to extend flowering. Deal with greenfly while you’re at it.
Water containers when compost is dry—add liquid feed if slow-release wasn’t used.
Trim back Erica carnea and top-dress with peat.
In hot weather, deep soak newly planted trees—avoid light, frequent watering.
Clip large-leaved evergreen hedges using secateurs (check for nesting birds first).
Check hanging baskets daily—water thoroughly and feed weekly.
Keep hydrangeas well-watered; they wilt quickly if dry.
Prune pyracantha, cutting side shoots back to 2–3 leaves for more berries.
Lift and dry last season’s bulbs in mesh sacks for ventilation.
Collect fallen fruit (e.g., apples) early to reduce disease risk.
Prune long whippy Wisteria growths back to 3 buds from old wood.
Cut back fruited raspberry canes and tie in strong new shoots.
Keep hardy and half-hardy annuals well-watered and weed-free. Avoid trampling beds.
As bedding fades, dig over borders—especially if your soil is heavy.
Take an evening garden walk and note what to improve for next year.
As mowing slows, scarify lawns (remove thatch), and aerate with a fork or machine.
Finalise bulb orders. Plant tulips in November to minimise disease.
Divide dense Crocosmia clumps with two forks or wash and replant with a hose.
Lift tender perennials like Dahlias when frost threatens. Store frost-free.
Collect and store seeds in labelled paper envelopes in a cool fridge drawer.
Rake fallen leaves into mesh bins to create leaf mould for next year.
Lift, divide, and replant rhubarb crowns that are 5+ years old.
Now’s a great time to lay turf on prepared, levelled, weed-free soil.
Ensure rainwater drains and gullies are clear of leaves to avoid flooding.
Turn off and lag external taps and exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
Prune Acers and Betula before mid-month to avoid sap bleeding.
Do not prune Hamamelis, Chimonanthus, or Forsythia until after they bloom.
Thoroughly clean, oil, and sharpen all tools, mowers, and trimmers.
