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GARDENING TASKS - MONTH BY MONTH

Garden Guide for the West Coast U.S. Zone 9

January February March April May June July August September October November December

January

  1. Rose pruning should be done now in California
  2. Prepare garden plots for vegetables and make sowings of the hardiest kinds.
  3. Fertilize lawns / dig out patches of invading Bermuda Grass
  4. Make early plantings of such bulbs and tubers as Begonias, Calla Lilies, Gladioli, Gloxinias

February

  1. Plant Roses, ornamental trees, shrubs e.g. Camellias etc.
  2. Prune summer blooming shrubs, now, don’t procrastinate
  3. Make new plantings of perennials
  4. Fertilize perennials when they show signs of active growth
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  5. Lift, divide and transplant perennials no later than by the end of this month
  6. Start into growth, tubers of Begonias, Cannas, Gloxinias, Achimenes and Calla Lilies
  7. Sow seeds of hardier vegetables such as Peas, Cabbage, Spinach, Carrots, Lettuce, Turnips

March

  1. Subtropical evergreen trees and shrubs, such as Avacados, Citrus, Guavas, Gardenias, Hibiscus and Camellias may be planted.
  2. Set out new strawberry plants
  3. Set out plants of tender annuals
  4. In many areas, it is not too late to lift, divide and transplant perennials

April

  1. Plant Dahlias in early April
  2. Make successive plantings of Gladioli, Tuberoses and Montbretias
  3. To encourage bushy plants, pinch the tips of plants.
  4. Stake tall plants that require support
  5. Cultivate, to keep weeds under control
  6. Set out rock garden plants
  7. Plant annuals - those that can tolerate a light frost.
  8. Watch for first evidence of disease or pests and treat promptly

May

  1. Be sure to supply ample water to Fuschias and Begonias
  2. Fertilize Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas after they are through blooming and mulch the soil around them.
  3. Prune spring flowering shrubs now that the flowers have faded
  4. Keep plants staked, tied, and watered.
  5. Make succession plantings of annuals and vegetables

June

  1. Summer flowering plants such as Roses, Fuchsias, Geraniums, Begonias, Dahlias will benefit from a light application of fertilizer .
  2. Don’t neglect your pest and disease control
  3. Pick faded blooms from Azaleas and Rhododendrons before seed pods form
  4. Wage war on weeds.
  5. Make sowings of Beets, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Kohrabi, Carrots for late crops

July

  1. Keep Roses well watered.
  2. Prune Roses lightly when they are through blooming.
  3. Tie Dahlias securely to stakes.
  4. Disbud those being grown for large blooms
  5. Pinch early flowering Chrysanthemums for the last time
  6. In mid-July, pinch late flowering Chrysanthemums for the last time

August

  1. Spray foliage of Fuchsias, Gardenias and other plants that love a moist atmosphere with a fine mist of water at regular intervals during dry weather
  2. Plant ground cover plants now and keep them watered regularly until the rains arrive
  3. Lift, divide and transplant Iris
  4. Dig Gladioli bulbs as soon as their foliage has turned brown

September

  1. Container grown stock planted now will become established much easier than bare root stock set out in Winter
  2. Cuttings of Camellias will root well this month
  3. Plant Spring-flowering bulbs, except Tulips
  4. In the northwest, this is the ideal time to make new lawns and renovate old ones.

October

  1. Bulbs such as Narcissi, Crocus, Anemones, Ranunculus, Hyacinths, Spanish Irises, Dutch Iris, Oxalis, Freesias, Ixias and Babianas may be planted now
  2. Lift and store summer flowering bulbs that go dormant at this season (Tuberous Begonia, Caladiums, Gladioli)
  3. Bulbs of Lilies may be planted this month
  4. Lift, divide and replant perennials
  5. Set out young plants of Snapdragons, Pansies, Cinerarias etc.

November

  1. Roses, fruit trees and deciduous trees and shrubs may be planted now
  2. Complete the planting of any bulbs if you have not done so.
  3. Sow seeds of hardy annuals where they are to bloom
  4. Clean up the garden in preparation for Winter.
  5. Prepare for protecting plants that need this care over the winter months

December

  1. Prune deciduous shrubs and those that bloom in summer and spray with a Dormant Oil Spray
  2. Evergreens can also be planted now
  3. Transplant Roses if you have not already done so.