Cut back and remove dead foliage of any ornamental grasses and perennials left for winter interest.

Wait to dig in the soil for planting until it dries out to reduce compaction.

Spread compost over garden beds and combine organic fertilizer into the top three inches of soil for vegetable garden beds.

Plant cool season vegetables and annual plants 2-4 weeks before the frost-free date of May 15.

Watch for perennials to emerge in the garden and gently remove any tree leaves that may inhibit new growth.

Protect new and emerging plants with old bed sheets or light weight fabric from freezing night temperatures and support the fabric with stakes to not damage plants.

Look for critter (rabbit, deer, squirrel) damage on tender shoots and use spray or granular repellent, and/or temporary or movable fencing.

Uncover and spread around the compost, soil or mulch that protected rose crowns.

Plant trees, shrubs and fruit trees.

Inspect shrubs for branches with no new leaf growth. Trim off only if sure the branch is dead.

Enjoy the spring blooming bulbs that were planted in the fall.

Harvest cool season vegetable crops.

Plant warm season vegetable plants after May 15 and as late as June 2 depending on night temperatures.

Protect new warm season plants from night temperatures under 55 degrees with old bed sheets or light weight fabric and support the fabric with stakes to not damage plants.

Water the soil as needed and avoid the foliage.

Look for critter (rabbit, deer, squirrel) damage on tender shoots and use spray or granular repellent, and/or temporary or movable fencing.

Attract beneficial insects by planting annual flowers and herbs late in the month.

Inspect roses for winter damage. Once leaves are showing, cut back any dead branches (canes) and fertilize.

Prune spring flowering shrubs as needed after they bloom.

Cage or make support structure for peonies while they are easy to contain.

Take photos to watch garden progress and/or write in a garden journal.

Stake, cage or trellis plants needing support to help direct the plant growth before 12" tall.

Plant and water perennials to help get well established before the hot summer months.

Mulch or wood chip the soil to conserve moisture and prevent soil borne diseases splashing onto plant leaves.

Inspect plants for insect or disease damage.

Weed the garden so plants you want have all the soil nutrients and water available with less competition.

Water and fertilize garden, trees, shrubs and containers depending on plant needs and weather.

Pinch off basil stems to encourage leaf growth and before flower buds form.

Trim off (deadhead) spent flowers to promote new blooms.

Move plants to a new location that are not doing well due to sunlight, soil or water stress.

Finish harvesting cool season crops. Remove spent plants to make room for other plants.

Trim off yellowed, dead bulb foliage and leave spring bulb in the ground. Mark the space or write/draw in your garden journal to help remember bulbs are planted in that location.

Harvest herbs by snipping the stem above a set of leaves to promote more leaf growth. Rinse and use herbs fresh or dry and properly store.

Take photos to watch garden progress and/or write in a garden journal.

Water and fertilize garden, trees, shrubs and containers depending on plant needs and weather.

Weed the garden so plants you want have all the soil nutrients and water available with less competition.

Stake or encourage vining plants needing support to help direct plant growth.

Trim off (deadhead) spent flowers to promote new blooms.

Inspect plants for insect or disease damage. Never compost diseased plants.

Harvest vegetables and herbs. Enjoy your efforts with family, friends and neighbors.

Take photos to watch garden progress and/or write in a garden journal.

Water garden, trees, shrubs and containers depending on plant needs and weather.

Fertilize roses for the last time before August 5 and do not significantly prune until the next spring.

Weed the garden so plants you want have all the soil nutrients and water available with less competition.

Trim off (deadhead) spent flowers to promote new blooms.

Inspect plants for insect or disease damage. Never compost diseased plants.

Harvest vegetables often to encourage more production.

Protected from hot summer sun, plant cool season seeds for second crop in the first 2 weeks of August.

Divide and plant peonies at the end of the month and into September.

Take photos to watch garden progress and/or write in a garden journal.

Water garden, trees, shrubs and containers depending on plant needs and weather.

Weed the garden so plants you want have all the soil nutrients and water available with less competition.

Trim off (deadhead) spent flowers to promote new blooms.

Inspect plants for insect or disease damage. Never compost diseased plants.

Harvest warm and cool season vegetables. Be prepared to lightly cover with cloth as night temperatures drop. Remove non-producing warm season vegetable plants.

Remove spent annuals in containers and refresh with fall annuals – mums, cabbage, kale, pansies.

Plant perennials to get a jump on the next garden season.

Plant trees and shrubs during the cooler months.

Begin trimming back browned perennials in preparation for winter.

Take your monthly photos and/or use a garden journal to keep track of what is planted in the garden, the weather and what worked during the season.

Combine into soil or spread across the top compost or leaf mulch to enrich the garden soil.

Buy spring blooming bulbs as soon as you see what you want. Plant in late September, early October as directed on package. Lightly spread bulb fertilizer over planted area and water well. If needed, garden pin screening or chicken wire over planted area to protect from curious and hungry critters. Remember to remove the protection as foliage emerges in late winter, February/March.

Keep handy a bag or two of compost or top soil if needed during the winter for plant heaving because of freezing and thawing or to cover spring bulb foliage that pops up too early.

Water garden, trees, shrubs and containers depending on plant needs and weather.

Finish planting perennials and spring blooming bulbs.

Harvest cool season vegetables into the colder months.

After a killing frost, remove dead plant material that you are not keeping for winter interest.

Leave the tree leaves to protect and decompose into the soil over the winter.

If possible, water evergreens until the ground is frozen.

After a hard frost and steady cold evening temperatures, cover rose crowns with soil, compost or mulch in late October to mid-November.

Review your garden journal and photos while the season is still fresh in your mind and start planning for the next year. Be happy for your successes!