Garden Buff’s Calendar

June in the garden is the time when summer begins in earnest, and with it come new tasks and opportunities for every gardener. Here’s what to do this month to keep your garden beautiful and healthy:

• June is the ideal time to mow the lawn regularly. Grass needs to be cut more often, preferably once a week, to maintain an even and aesthetically pleasing green.
• High temperatures and increasingly intense sunshine mean that watering becomes a priority. Remember to water your plants deeply to ensure adequate water access to the roots, especially for newly planted specimens.
• June is the time when you can plant or transplant the last perennials and annuals. Continue plant care work. Remove withered flowers to stimulate plants to continue flowering and prevent self-seeding.
• Bulbous plants that have already flowered require special attention. Leave their leaves until they yellow and die naturally, allowing for better nourishment of the bulbs next year.
• June is also a good time to plant vegetables such as beans, zucchini and pumpkins, which will grow throughout the summer, yielding crops in later months.
• Pruning hedges and shaping plants are other tasks for June. This will keep your plants in nice shape and make them healthier.
• Monitor your plants for diseases and pests, which are more likely to thrive in the warmer months. Early detection and intervention are key to protecting your garden.
• Increase the frequency of watering, especially on hot days. It’s worth investing in a drip system or soaker hoses, which provide optimal soil moisture with minimal water loss.
• This month you can still plant summer flowers, such as petunias, marigolds or dahlias, which will decorate the garden until the first frost.
• It is worth paying attention to perennial plants, which may need to be divided after flowering. Dividing perennials not only stimulates their growth, but also allows you to propagate your favorite species.
• June is a good time to feed plants. Regular applications of compost or fertilizer promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
• Start harvesting the first crops from your vegetable garden, such as lettuce, radishes or young beets. Regular harvesting not only provides fresh vegetables for the table, but also stimulates plants for further growth.
• If you have a pond, June is a good time to clean it up and possibly plant aquatic plants that will ensure ecological balance and be an attraction for many species of insects and birds.
• June is the time to regularly fertilize and care for your balcony plants to ensure that they bloom abundantly throughout the summer.

June is the month when you can enjoy the beauty of your garden. Remember to do the necessary work to ensure the best conditions for plants to grow and bloom. With regular care and attention, your garden will be an oasis of peace and beauty all summer long.

July in the garden is a month full of colors and fragrances. Here are proven tips to help you take care of your garden during this hot season:

• Watering is a priority this month, when hot weather becomes the norm. Focus on deep watering, especially in the early morning or evening, to minimize water loss through evaporation.
• Allow the grass to grow a little taller than usual. Longer blades shade the soil better, helping to conserve moisture and protect it from scorching weather.
• July is a time when pests and diseases can be especially active. Check your plants regularly and use appropriate, preferably natural, methods of protection if necessary.
  Replenish nutrients, especially for heavy flowering and fruiting plants. Light fertilization can help them thrive during this demanding period.
• Continue deadheading to stimulate plants to continue flowering and prevent unwanted self-seeding.
• It’s not too late to plant fast-growing vegetables, such as radishes or lettuce, which will have time to yield before the end of the season.
  Keep plants in good shape and aesthetically pleasing, so your garden will look neat all summer long.
• Don’t forget to harvest ripe fruits and vegetables.
• Make sure your pond water is clean and properly oxygenated, which is crucial for the health of fish and other aquatic organisms.
• Take a moment to organize your horticultural tools and equipment, which will make work easier in the months ahead.
• Remember that a garden is not only work, but also a place for relaxation. Find time to enjoy its beauty and relax among nature.

By following these tips, you will ensure that you and your garden will have the best conditions to grow and enjoy summer abundance, even in the most demanding July conditions.

August in the garden is a time full of sunshine and color, but it’s also a time when the special needs of our plants should be taken care of. Here is a set of tips for this month that will help you keep your garden in top condition:

• Continue to water your plants deeply, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon, to minimize water loss and ensure that it gets to where it is needed most.
• Consider using shade netting or fabric, especially for plants that may take the intense sun poorly.
• Harvest ripening vegetables and fruits regularly. Harvesting encourages plants to continue yielding.
• In the event of a drought, let your lawn grow a little taller to better cope with the lack of water. If you water it, do so less frequently, but abundantly.
• Lightly fertilizing with compost or other fertilizers can help plants survive the stress of the end of summer.
• Gently trim back flowering perennials and shrubs. Remove dead flowers to stimulate plants for more blooms.
• Continue to inspect your plants regularly and take action as needed to protect your garden from diseases and pests.
• The beginning of August is the last time to sow vegetables that will yield before the end of the season (lettuce or radishes).
• Consider planting new perennial plants or dividing those that have become too large, which will improve their health and vitality.
• Collect seeds from your favorite plants to have seed for next year. Store them in a cool, dry place.
• Check water levels and keep ponds clean to avoid algae growth and maintain a healthy environment for aquatic plants and animals.
  Don’t forget to rest. Use lanterns, candles and other light sources to enjoy the beauty of your garden in the evenings as well.

Following these tips in August will allow you to enjoy a beautiful and healthy garden, while preparing your plants for the coming autumn.

September in the garden is a time of reflection and preparation for the coming autumn, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the last moments of summer. Here are tips to help you take care of your garden this month:

• Even though the days are getting shorter, don’t forget to water regularly, especially newly planted plants that need help taking root before winter arrives.
• September may bring the first cooler nights, so start protecting sensitive plants by using protective covers or moving pots to more secluded areas.
• Continue harvesting ripe vegetables and fruits. Remember to harvest pumpkins and squash before the first frost.
• September is the perfect time to plant new perennials, shrubs and trees that will have time to take root before winter.
• Autumn is the perfect time to aerate, scarify and reseed your lawn. Also consider autumn fertilization to strengthen the grass before winter.
• Continue to be vigilant for the presence of pests and diseases. Take appropriate steps to protect your plants from infections.
• Take advantage of milder weather to establish new beds that will be ready for spring.
• September is a good time to order spring bulbs and plan next year’s plantings.
• Take care of your garden tools, clean and preserve them before winter.
• Don’t forget to stop and admire the changing colors of the leaves and the last flowers. September can be one of the most picturesque months in the garden.

As you prepare your garden for the coming autumn, keep these tips in mind to ensure your plants have a smooth transition through the end of the year.

October in the garden is a time to prepare for the coming winter and enjoy the last of the autumn colors. Here are proven tips to get your garden ready for the colder months:

• October is the perfect time to plant bulbs of tulips, hyacinths, crocuses and other spring flowers. Plant them at the right depth so they can please the eye with their colors in spring.
• Although the days are getting cooler, some plants, especially those newly planted, may still need regular watering to help them root well before winter.
• Remove wilted plants and weeds, which will help prevent diseases and pests from developing next season.
• Pick up fallen leaves and add them to your composting unit. Leaves are a great source of organic material that will enrich your soil.
• Cover perennial plants to protect them from frost. Move sensitive species, such as Chinese roses and geraniums, indoors.
• Prepare ponds and water bodies for winter by removing fallen leaves and protecting them from freezing.
• Harvest the last crop of vegetables before the first frost.
• Clean garden tools and equipment before storing them away for the winter. This is a good time to sharpen pruning shears and maintain them.
• Check plants for pests and diseases, especially before moving some of them indoors for the winter.
• October is a good time to think about and plan garden changes for next year. Don’t forget that October still offers plenty of beauty. Enjoy the colors of the autumn leaves, the last flowering plants and the tranquility that this time of year brings.

Preparing your garden in October for the coming winter will help protect your plants and soil from harsh weather conditions, and give you a solid foundation for a beautiful garden next season.

November in the garden is a time when nature slows down and gardeners can get busy preparing for winter. Here are tips to help you take care of your garden this month:

• Protecting plants from frost is key. Use agro-woven fabric or straw to cover vulnerable plants and beds. Remember to protect the roots of perennial plants, especially those that are less hardy.
• Continue to collect fallen leaves from lawns, alleys and beds. You can compost them or use them as a protective layer.
• Autumn is a good time to loosen and enrich the soil with compost or manure, which will improve its structure and fertility in the spring.
• If the weather permits, do a final mowing of the lawn, making sure not to cut the grass too low.
• Clean and protect garden tools before winter.
• Empty and frost-proof outdoor faucets, fountains and irrigation systems to avoid damage from freezing water.
• Protect young trees and shrubs from rodents that may gnaw the bark in search of food during winter. You can use special protectors or netting. Autumn is the ideal time to plant new trees and shrubs, which will have time to take root before winter arrives.
• November is a good time to look through horticultural catalogs and plan next year’s plantings.
• Consider hanging bird feeders to assist birds through the harsh winter conditions.
• Although most plants are going into dormancy, don’t forget to enjoy the peace and beauty of your garden in the fall.

Preparing your garden for November and the coming winter will help protect your plants and garden infrastructure from frost, and give you a solid foundation for a beautiful garden next year.

December in the garden is a time when nature completely rests, and for gardeners it is a period of planning and taking care of tools. Here are some tips on how to take care of your garden this month:

• Make sure all sensitive plants are properly protected for the winter, using straw, agro-fiber or other insulating materials.
• Plants moved inside for the winter need proper attention, including adequate watering and lighting.
• Regularly replenish bird feeders and drinkers to support birds during winter.
• Remove all plant debris and other waste from the garden that can harbor pests.
• Clean, sharpen and repair garden tools and equipment so they are ready for spring. December is the perfect time to plan garden changes and order seeds and flower bulbs for the coming season.
• Inspect and repair fences, pergolas, paths and other garden infrastructure. If you have a pond, fountain or other bodies of water in your garden, make sure they are protected from frost to avoid damage.
• Avoid walking on a lawn covered with frost or snow to avoid damaging it. Check your plants and soil for signs of pests and diseases so you can respond accordingly.
  Use the winter months to relax, educate yourself about horticultural and exchange experiences with other gardeners.
• Find time to enjoy the beauty of your garden in winter, especially when it’s covered in snow, which can reveal charming new perspectives.

By taking these steps in December, you will prepare your garden for the winter months, while planning work that will ensure the beauty of your garden in the coming year.

New Year, new opportunities! January in the garden and at home can be just as active. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of this month:

• Monitor the weather and protect plants from frost – make sure your plants, especially those sensitive to the cold, are well prepared for the rest of winter.
• Pruning fruit trees – now is a good time to prune your fruit trees to ensure they yield better for the season.
• Overhauling garden tools – the winter months are the perfect time to thoroughly clean, sharpen and maintain garden tools.
• Planning the garden for spring – winter evenings are the perfect time to plan future plantings, design new flower beds and garden changes.
• Caring for potted plants – in winter, with heating, potted plants need special attention, such as sprinkling to raise humidity.
• Growing herbs at home – plant your own herbs on the windowsill – a great way to keep your kitchen fresh in winter.
• Removing fallen leaves, branches and other plant debris that may accumulate in beds and lawns.
• Providing food and water for birds and other wildlife visiting the garden, which is especially important at a time when natural food sources are limited.
• Maintaining proper temperature and humidity in greenhouses or plastic tunnels to protect plants overwintering there.
• Checking the condition of plants overwintering in basements and garages – make sure that plants stored in cool places have the right conditions.
• Starting early seedlings – some plants, such as tomatoes and peppers, can already begin to be sown indoors.

Winter reigns in February, but that doesn’t mean gardeners can rest. Even if frost and snow still dominate outside the window, there are several tasks you can do to prepare for the coming spring. Here’s what you can do in February:

• Protecting your plants from the winter chill is key. Make sure your wintering plants in the garden are properly protected.
• Overhauling garden tools is time well spent. Sharpening, lubricating and repairing will keep everything ready for spring.
• Planning future plantings can be exciting. Look through plant and seed catalogs to plan what new plants will appear in your garden.
• Preparing seedlings of plants that require a longer growing season, such as tomatoes or peppers, can begin now in the warmth of the house.
• Clearing boxes and pots of plant debris and soil and then disinfecting them is good practice before the new season.
• Checking and repairing fences, pergolas and other garden structures may be necessary after winter.
• Watering houseplants and those wintering indoors, but in moderation so as not to overwater them.
• Preparing a place for a composting unit or turning over compost, weather permitting, is also a good idea.
• Think about what fertilizers you will need in the spring.
• A little roundup of your home garden is also useful. Check your plants’ winter coverings and replenish the protective layer of mulch.
• Positive temperatures at the end of the month are a good sign to trim fruit trees and shrubs (apple, pear, raspberry, blueberry) and summer-blooming shrubs (hydrangeas, shrubs).
• February is an opportunity to look at plants. Check for diseases and pests, which you can fight virtually immediately.
• At the end of the month sow seeds for early seedlings – sandwiches with your own lettuce will be the envy of your work friends. In addition to it, you can opt for onions, celery, brassicas or leeks.
• During the thaw, water evergreen and coniferous species – do not allow the phenomenon of so-called physiological drought. Also, do not forget about those plants that overwinter in pots, as their substrate dries out faster.
• It’s also time to put the vegetable garden in order – remove the leftovers from the previous season. Be sure to loosen the soil and feed it with compost.
  Wait for the first flowers! In February, eranthis, snowdrops and hellebores slowly show themselves.

Remember that every day brings us closer and closer to spring, and the preparation work done in February will pay off with a beautiful garden soon!