Spring, summer, fall and winter garden checklists

01Using these checklists

Regional noteSeasons are relative to your frost dates and climate, not fixed months. In mild-winter regions, "winter" jobs may be short and fall planting can extend for months.

02Spring

• —Clear old stems and leaves once the soil is workable and overwintering insects have emerged
• —Top-dress beds with compost
• —Divide crowded summer- and fall-flowering perennials
• —Sow cool-season flowers; start warm-season seeds indoors
• —Install supports before plants get tall
• —Plant tender plants only after the last frost

03Summer

• —Water deeply and less often, at the base of plants, preferably in the morning
• —Mulch to keep moisture in
• —Deadhead to encourage more flowers
• —Sow successions of quick annuals
• —Watch for pests and remove diseased leaves
• —Harvest cut flowers regularly

04Fall

• —Plant spring bulbs once soil cools (tulips, daffodils, alliums)
• —Plant or move shrubs and perennials while soil is still warm
• —Lift tender tubers (dahlias) after frost in cold areas
• —Leave some seed heads and stems for birds and insects
• —Collect leaves for leaf mold
• —Clean and sharpen tools

05Winter

• —Plan next year's beds and order seeds
• —Check stored tubers and bulbs
• —Prune roses and shrubs according to their type and your climate
• —Protect tender plants in cold snaps
• —Review notes on what worked

06Garden safety

• —Wear gloves; keep tetanus vaccination up to date — soil can carry tetanus.
• —Read and follow labels on any fertilizer or pest product, and store them out of reach of children and pets.
• —Some garden plants are toxic if eaten or irritate skin (for example foxglove, euphorbia sap); know what you grow.
• —Lift with your legs, not your back; use a cart for bags of compost.
• —Stay hydrated and avoid the hottest part of the day.