Planting
It’s time to gear up for major planting this month.
Transplanting
You can dig up and move or divide perennials now.
Fertilizing
Perennials that are in active growth may be fertilized in late February.
Pest Control
Generally, no major insect or disease problems in February. Aphids may be seen on new growth.
Pruning
Remove old, dead growth on perennials now if you have not already done so.
Watering
Water-in newly planted perennials thoroughly. Cool, moist weather usually means that little watering will need to be done.
Planting
Perennials may not look like much when you purchase them this month. Just imagine how they will look when they bloom in 2 to 3 months – or even at the end of the summer.
Transplanting
Finish up transplanting and dividing perennials as soon as possible.
Fertilizing
Established perennials should be fertilized this month.
Pest Control
Snails and slugs may be active, get an early start on control and don’t let their populations build. Control aphids, caterpillars with approved aids.
Pruning
Not much pruning is necessary during active growing periods.
Watering
Apply water slowly over time with a sprinkler or soaker hose to ensure a deep thorough watering when adequate rain is not received.
Planting
You can plant perennials from seed in containers and transplant them into the garden in the fall or early next spring. This month is a great time to plant perennials.
Transplanting
You can still transplant perennials during this month.
Fertilizing
Fertilize perennials plantings if you have not done so
Pest Control
Watch out for caterpillars, beetles and aphids. Look for powdery mildew – a white, powdery coating on the leaves of perennials – common disease. Gray mold may attack flowers and foliage during cool, wet weather, causing tissue to brown and rot with a gray fuzzy growth on it.
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to keep plants attractive and in some cases encourage more flowers.
Watering
Deep watering is especially important this time of year if enough rain does not fall.
Planting
You can plant perennials this time of year if you make sure to water deeply to protect them from the heat.
Transplanting
It is risky to dig and transplant or divide perennials this late in the year.
Fertilizing
Most of your fertilizer applications should be finished by now. If you haven’t fertilized yet do so now.
Pest Control
Most perennial plantings are not constantly plagued by pests.
Pruning
Continue to deadhead.
Watering
Soaker hoses are an effective way to water perennial beds without getting water on the flowers and foliage.
Planting
Perennials growing in containers can be planted now.
Transplanting
It is too hot to dig, divide and transplant perennials now.
Fertilizing
Another application of fertilizer may be made to beds that were last fertilized in March or April.
Pest Control
Watch for caterpillars chewing holes in leaves. The whitefly can be difficult to control if populations get out of hand. The adults are small, snow whiteflies; the larvae appear as small disks under the leaves. Aphids cluster on new growth and flower buds sucking the sap from the plant. Spider mites can be devastating during hot dry weather and snails and slugs love plants that have succulent leaves that grow in the shade.
Pruning
Continue to dead head spent flowers.
Watering
Water deeply and thoroughly as needed when rain has not occurred.
Planting
Use a root stimulator when planting perennials during the hot months of summer.
Transplanting
It is too hot to dig, divide and move existing plants.
Fertilizing
Only perennials in active growth should be fertilized.
Pest Control
Continue to watch for the same pests as you did in June.
Pruning
Dead head flowers to keep your garden looking fresher. Use plant supports to help hold up weight of the plants and blooms.
Watering
Perennial beds require more water than what we can do by hand. Use soaker hoses drip irrigation or sprinklers and leave them on long enough for the water to moisten the soil about 4 to 6 inches down.
Planting
Plant salvias so they can flower in the fall and early winter
Transplanting
It is still too hot to move and transplant perennials.
Fertilizing
Fall blooming perennials need to be fertilized this month to help them have an outstanding fall bloom.
Pest Control
Whiteflies can be a major problem in late summer. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry late-summer conditions.
Pruning
Cut back and remove dead flower stalks and unattractive growth on perennials along with deadheading regularly.
Watering
If you notice plants wilting you are waiting too long before watering your garden.
Planting
Perennials started from seeds earlier this year are probably large enough to go into the garden now. You can also plant container grown perennials during this month.
Transplanting
Daylilies and iris may be divided now.
Fertilizing
Perennials that have finished blooming for the year should not be fertilized now. Any perennials showing nutrient deficiencies may be fertilized but use a water soluble fertilizer to deliver nutrients immediately.
Pest Control
Pests have had all summer to build up population levels. Be on the lookout and treat with the proper aids.
Pruning
Continue deadheading and remove any spent stalks, etc.
Watering
Water as needed using sprinkler, soaker hoses or drip irrigation.
Planting
October is a great month to plant container grown perennials.
Transplanting
Many perennials can be dug and transplanted over the next couple of months.
Fertilizing
Water in newly planted perennials with a water-soluble fertilizer mixed half strength.
Pest Control
As the weather cools off diseases should diminish. Watch for armyworms – large, dark caterpillars that can chew up a perennial plant in no time.
Pruning
Continue to deadhead and cut back spent growth
Watering
Cooler weather doesn’t always mean more rain. Watering is still needed if it does not rain regularly.
Planting
November is a great month for planting perennials in the garden.
Transplanting
This month is one of the best for transplanting perennials.
Fertilizing
Fertilizer is usually not needed at this time of the year.
Pest Control
Watch for caterpillars, aphids, snails, and slugs and treat if necessary.
Pruning
Tall growing, fall-blooming perennials may need to be staked. Deadhead perennials that are in bloom as needed. After they finish flowering, most should be cut back hard. Cut back and remove dead flower stalks and unattractive foliage from perennials winding down for the year.
Watering
Water plants as needed to maintain a moist soil if weather is dry
Planting
Perennials aren’t usually planted in December
Transplanting
Most transplanting and division of perennials is done prior to December
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is required this month.
Pest Control
Most perennials are dormant in the winter so there are no pest problems
Pruning
Cut back fall-blooming perennials that have finished blooming. Cut back any foliage that has been damaged by freeze or frost and apply 3 to 4-inch mulch over the roots and base of the plant.
Watering
Cool weather and regular rainfall make it unlikely that additional watering is necessary.
