Most gardens reward small, regular attention more than weekend marathons. Use this list as a prompt rather than a checklist, and skip anything that doesn't fit your space.
January
Rest, plan, and check stored bulbs and tubers.
February
Prune late-winter shrubs and prepare seed trays.
March
Sow hardy annuals and top-dress pots with fresh compost.
April
Plant out hardier perennials and start regular feeding.
May
Stake tall perennials, plant tender annuals after frost.
June
Water consistently and deadhead for a longer display.
July
Holiday-proof your pots with grouped watering.
August
Take cuttings of tender perennials and shape topiary.
September
Plant spring bulbs and start indoor plant clean-ups.
October
Tidy borders, plant trees and shrubs, store tender plants.
November
Mulch borders and protect terracotta from hard frost.
December
Bring evergreens indoors as decoration, plan next year.
Looking for plant ideas to slot into this calendar? Start with our plant guides or container ideas.