Month by Month In Your Garden

<<Back to Tips and Advice

JANUARY

Bulbs that have been lifted should be stored in a cool dry spot.  Ensure critters like rats, mice and possums cannot access these bulbs as they are considered a tasty morsel for these animals.

FEBRUARY / MARCH

Prepare garden beds for planting, dig in plenty of compost and remove weeds. Mulch beds to reduce weed growth.

When you get your new bulbs home, unpack them and store with bags open in a cool, dry, airy position.             

APRIL

Start planting bulbs, e.g. daffodils and jonquils once the soil has cooled down.

Plant bulbs like freesias, soldier boys (Lachenalia) muscari, narcissus, hyacinth and Dutch Iris.

Tulip bulbs can be put in the crisper of the refrigerator for four to six weeks to build up their strength. 

***Ensure they are not refrigerated for any longer than 6-8 weeks.       

MAY

Plant tulips that were in the crisper of the refrigerator.

Plant anemones and ranunculi (plant their claws downwards).

JUNE

Keep garden beds weed free.

Some plants may be emerging now.  Be patient if there are no signs of any growth, there may be lots happening under the ground.

All spring flowering bulbs should be in the ground by now- this is your last chance to ensure a display for spring.  Please note; most bulbs do NOT store very well so they must be in the ground so they can complete their life cycle. 

JULY

Early flowering daffodils are looking good.

Keep an eye out for slugs and snails that can damage flower buds and leaves.

Anemone and ranunculus may be starting their show.  Ensure this goes on through spring by fertilizing fortnightly with a liquid fertilizer.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER      

Most bulbs are in flower, especially with September giving the most wonderful display. 

Make sure you take the time to appreciate what you (and Mother Nature) have created.

As flowers finish, dead head once the old flowers fade and feed with a complete fertilizer.

It is VERY important to leave the foliage (by now, yellowed and withering) on until no life is left in them.  This will ensure they have made next year’s flowers.

Have a critical look at your spring display and make a mental note on what worked and what didn’t.  This is the opportunity to start planning next years’ spring garden so make sure you look at other peoples gardens too.              

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER

Approximately six-eight weeks after flowering ends pull or cut off the leaves that by now have put enough nutrient back into the bulb.

Spring flowering bulbs will be drying off, those that need to be lifted can be dug up now- be careful not to damage the bulbs.  Allow to dry for a day or two, brush off the soil and storein a cool, dry spot.  Bulbs tend to like similar conditions to us, so a garden shed or garage may be too hot in warmer climates.

NOTE -  Bulbs in pots should be moved into the garden bed, or lifted and stored.

Back to Tips and Advice