Month-by-Month Flower Gardening

So it's another year and you're planning a garden, or perhaps you already have one and wish to add more to it. As every gardener is different, so is the garden. Keeping in mind that there are different requirements depending on the region and climate you are in, here is a month-by-month outline for basic flower gardening.

January is the month for organizing seed packets and counting the days until sowing your favorites. As your catalogs arrive, take notes on planting dates and other important information such as where to plant and what type of soil is required. As you move into February, begin planning the garden. Consider implementing a variety of flowering plants into your landscape for long-lasting color and texture. Draw out these plans, taking note of the specific needs from your plant 'wish list.' For instance, are they well suited for your particular landscape? Label your plans to mark each season so you'll always have something in bloom. Now is the time to start seeds, such as warm-weather annuals, or take care of seedlings you may already have growing. Begin making your final selections for summer-flowering bulbs as well. Begin planting your perennials as they arrive or become available in March, following your plans as well as proper planting requirements. Mix in cool-season annuals with your bulbs to ensure that something will be in bloom long after spring bulbs have faded away.

As April arrives, you can probably start moving your warm-season annual seedlings outdoors, hardening them off first. You can also sow them directly in ground, if desired. Your summer-flowering bulbs can be planted after the last frost, and some of you may be able to divide your spring bulbs. If you forced bulbs indoors, these can be moved outdoors as well. In May, you can continue planting many types of flowers. Apply mulch and compost. Cut back any faded blooms. Overplant your bulb beds with warm-season annuals as needed. You can begin pulling up and discarding faded cool-season annuals. Trim back flowers of other plants to encourage a second bloom, unless you're planning to save seeds. Continue to dig up overcrowded spring bulbs and replant elsewhere. Cuttings can be taken now too. Late-blooming perennials can be sown directly into your beds as well. Always keep a check on water levels, although spring is often wet in many areas, you'll still need to keep new plantings well watered.

With July comes heat so be sure to maintain moisture levels, especially during periods of little or no rain. If you have tall plants that require staking, do so now. Keep applying mulch as needed to keep weeds down and hold moisture in. Continue to deadhead spent flowers. Start sowing hardy annuals indoors for fall and winter color. Continue deep watering throughout August, especially container plants. Lift and divide any overcrowded summer bulbs after leaves have browned and died. Start mapping out your fall/winter garden in September with fall-flowering perennials and ornamental grasses. Transplant any seedlings to their permanent location in the garden. Plant fall-blooming bulbs, and if not already done, lift and store tender bulbs before any frost hits.

If it's excessively dry or you have newly planted flowers in the garden, keep them watered in October. Start collecting ripened seeds for sowing next season. Clean up your beds and add composted mulch in preparation for cooler weather. By November, your ornamental grasses should be reaching their peak with interesting seedpods and colorful foliage. Plant your spring bulbs before the ground freezes. Clean up any debris in the garden as well as your unused tools and containers. Begin thinking about and getting ready for next season in December. Only water during unusual warm spells, if dry. As you snuggle up and pour through garden catalogs and magazines, start creating your new 'wish list' and develop new ideas for the garden next season. Now you're ready to do it all over again. Hopefully, you've experimented or learned new things along the way to improve your garden with each passing year.