Gardener's Yearly Calendar

This is the That's Gardening gardener's calendar. If you like, you can print it up and place it on the notice board in your garden shed, your greenhouse, your kitchen or your study. Perhaps laminate it to keep it safe?

We hope you will find it to be of help to you. Please forward it to all of your friends and family members who are gardeners as we feel it will be of benefit to them, too. 

Please be aware that in some parts of the world the seasons will obviously be different and the gardener's calendar will need to be adjusted accordingly. 

January:

Plan Your Garden: Review last year's successes and failures. Sketch out your garden layout for the upcoming year, considering crop rotation and companion planting.

Order Seeds: Research and order seeds for the upcoming growing season. Consider trying new varieties or expanding your selection.

Start Indoors: Begin indoor seeding for plants that require a longer growing season, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.

February:

Continue Indoor Seeding: Monitor indoor seedlings for growth and transplant as necessary into larger containers.

Prepare Garden Beds: If weather permits, start preparing garden beds by removing debris, loosening soil, and adding compost or other organic matter.

Prune Fruit Trees: Prune fruit trees before buds break to encourage healthy growth and improve fruit production.

March:

Direct Sow Cold-Hardy Crops: Plant cold-hardy vegetables directly into the garden, such as peas, spinach, lettuce, and radishes.

Transplant Seedlings: Begin transplanting indoor seedlings into the garden after the last frost date for your region.

Install Support Structures: Set up trellises, stakes, and other support structures for climbing plants like peas, beans, and cucumbers.

April:

Plant Cool-Season Crops: Sow seeds of cool-season crops like carrots, beets, kale, and Swiss chard directly into the garden.

Mulch Garden Beds: Apply mulch to garden beds to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Monitor for Pests: Keep an eye out for early signs of pests and diseases. Take preventive measures such as hand-picking pests or using organic pest control methods.

May:

Plant Warm-Season Crops: Plant warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, squash, and cucumbers after the danger of frost has passed.

Water Regularly: As temperatures rise, increase watering frequency to ensure plants receive adequate moisture, especially newly planted ones.

Fertilise: Apply organic fertilisers or compost around growing plants to provide nutrients for healthy growth.

June:

Mulch Again: Reapply mulch around growing plants to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds during the heat of summer.

Harvest Continuously: Begin harvesting early crops like lettuce, radishes, and peas regularly to encourage further production.

Watch for Pests and Diseases: Continue monitoring for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action to prevent damage to your crops.

July:

Water Wisely: Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance in plants.

Prune and Deadhead: Remove spent flowers and prune overgrown or damaged branches to promote air circulation and maintain plant health.

Harvest and Preserve: Harvest fruits and vegetables regularly, and consider preserving excess produce through freezing, canning, or drying.

August:

Succession Planting: Sow seeds for fall crops such as lettuce, spinach, and kale for a continuous harvest into the fall.

Monitor Soil Moisture: Check soil moisture regularly, especially during hot and dry periods, and water as needed to prevent drought stress.

Keep Weeding: Continue to remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water and prevent them from going to seed.

September:

Harvest Autumn Crops: Begin harvesting cool-season crops planted in late summer, such as carrots, beets, and broccoli.

Prepare for Frost: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared to cover tender plants or bring them indoors if frost is predicted.

Plant Cover Crops: Sow cover crops such as clover or winter rye to protect and enrich the soil during the winter months.

October:

Clean Up Garden Beds: Remove spent plants and debris from garden beds to prevent overwintering pests and diseases.

Mulch and Compost: Apply a thick layer of mulch to protect soil during winter and add compost to replenish nutrients.

Plant Bulbs: Plant spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses for a burst of colour next spring.

November:

Final Harvest: Harvest any remaining crops before the onset of winter, including root vegetables like potatoes and carrots.

Protect Tender Plants: Mulch around the base of perennial plants to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Clean and Store Tools: Clean and properly store garden tools to prevent rust and damage during the winter months.

December:

Plan for Next Year: Reflect on the successes and challenges of the past year and start planning for the next growing season.

Order Seeds and Supplies: Review your seed inventory and order seeds and gardening supplies for the upcoming year.

Rest and Relax: Take time to rest and enjoy the Christmas and New Year period, knowing that your garden is tucked in for the winter.

Adjust these tasks based on your specific climate, growing zone, and individual garden needs. Happy gardening!