A Monthly Maintenance and Planting Guide for Volunteers
by Janice Brown, Revision date 4/29/2010
Special Note: Please use organic fertilizers and never pesticides nor herbicides.
January
THINGS TO PLANT
Flowering plants: Butterfly Weed, Calendula, Candytuft, Coneflower, Cornflower, Dianthus, Gaillardia, Larkspur, Pansy, Primrose, Snapdragon,Viola – don’t plant when temperatures are freezing or if freeze is expected.
Bulbs: Anemone, Canna Lily, Crinum, Daylily, Spider Lily, Rain Lily
Shrubs: Bare root roses (needs approval)
THINGS TO DO
Fertilize: Daylilies and winter bloomers
Water: Everything well before a freeze. Mayfield will have irrigation system turned off when freezes are expected, therefore a good hand watering before a freeze can protect your plantings. Water at the base of the planting and avoid the foliage.
Tend: Keep beds free of weeds and debris. Dig Cat’s Claw and remove bulb (do not simply pull) then discard bulb and vine in a trash bag, never on compost pile. Cut back plantings that have been damaged by frost. Replenish mulch as needed. Remove bulb foliage after it is brown and dried. If foliage is removed while still green, bulbs will not bloom next year. Do not remove desirable bulbs but if you must please place then in the volunteer shed for replanting.
February
THINGS TO PLANT
Flowering plants: Butterfly Weed, Candytuft, Coneflower, Cornflower, Dianthus, Gaillardia, Larkspur, Penstemon, Pansy, Primrose, Phlox, Snapdragon, Viola – don’t plant if freezing or if freeze is expected.
Bulbs: Agapanthus, Anemone, Calla Lily, Canna Lily, Dahlia, Daylily, Gladiolus, Iris, Spider Lily, Rain Lily
Shrubs: container grown roses and other shrubs (all need approval)
THINGS TO DO
Fertilize: All winter bloomers plus roses after pruning
Prune: Roses by removing all dead wood, crossing canes and cut by half.
Water: Everything before a freeze. Mayfield will have irrigation turned off when freezes are expected, therefore a good hand watering before a freeze can protect your plantings. Water at the base of the planting and avoid the foliage.
Tend: Keep beds free of weeds and debris. Dig Cat’s Claw and remove bulb (do not simply pull) then discard bulb and vine in a trash bag, never on compost pile. Cut back plantings that have been damaged by frost. Remove bulb foliage after it is brown and dried. If foliage is removed while still green, bulbs will not bloom next year. Do not remove desirable bulbs but if you must please place then in the volunteer shed for replanting.
Prepare Soil: Amend your beds with compost or bagged garden soil for spring planting.
March
THINGS TO PLANT
Flowering plants: All perennials*, Ageratum*, Ajuga*, Amaranthus*, Begonia*, Brugmansia*, Candytuft, Chrysanthemum+, Coleus*,Columbine, Coreopsis, Coxcomb*, Dahlia*, Dianthus, Feverfew, Flowering Tobacco*, Gaillardia, Hardy Hibiscus, Hollyhock*, Lamb’s Ear, Mexican Oregano, Nasturtium*, Penta*, Petunia*, Phlox, Sedum, Scented Geranium*, Shasta Daisy, Spiderwort, Stock, Zinnia, plus look for evergreen adapted varieties (Barton Springs Nursery or petalsfromthepast.com or nichegardens.com)
Flower Seeds: Cosmos*, Sunflower*, Flowering Tobacco*,Dianthus*, Moss Rose*
*Plant or sow mid-month after danger of freezing has passed
Bulbs: Amaryllis, Calla Lily, Canna Lily, Crinum, Chinese Ground Orchids, Daylily, Gladiolus, Rain Lily, Iris
THINGS TO DO
Fertilize: Hibiscus
Water: Water all new plantings well
Prune: Hardy Hibiscus.
Tend: Amend your soil early in the month with 2 -3 inches of compost if you didn’t get to it in February, so it will be ready for spring planting. Allow all bulb foliage from spring blooming bulbs to yellow and die before removing or they will not bloom next spring. Keep beds free of weeds and debris. Dig Cat’s Claw and remove bulb (do not simply pull) then discard in a trash bag, never on compost pile. Remove bulb foliage after it is brown and dried. If foliage is removed while still green, bulbs will not bloom next year. Do not remove desirable bulbs but if you must please place then in the volunteer shed for replanting.
April
THINGS TO PLANT
Flowering plants: This is a great planting month. Plant all perennials and all warm weather annuals
Bulbs: Amaryllis, Chinese Ground Orchid, Caladium (wait till soil temperature is at least 70 degrees for best results), Calla Lily, Canna Lily, Crinum, Daylily, Ginger, Gladiolus, Oxblood Lily, Rain Lily, Spider Lily
Flower seeds: Cosmos, Feverfew, Four-o’clock
THINGS TO DO
Fertilize: After blooming feed bulbs with a high phosphorus product, feed flowering plants and roses with a complete fertilizer product
Water: Water all new plantings in well and others as needed
Tend: Allow all bulb foliage to yellow and die before removing. Mulch trees, shrubs, and flower beds after soil has warmed. Divide and transplant late summer and fall flowering bulbs. Dig Cat’s Claw and remove bulb (do not simply pull) then discard in a trash bag, never in compost pile. Keep beds free of weeds and debris. Remove bulb foliage after it is brown and dried. If foliage is removed while still green, bulbs will not bloom next year. Do not remove desirable bulbs but if you must please place then in the volunteer shed for replanting.
May
THINGS TO PLANT
Flowering plants: All perennials and warm season annuals
When choosing mums look for heirloom or adapted that will act as perennials. Try Barton Springs Nursery, petalsfromthepast.com or nichegardens.com
Bulbs: Caladium, Canna lily, Ginger, Daylily, Gladiolus, Oxblood Lily, Rain Lily, Spider Lily
THINGS TO DO
Fertilize: Feed amaryllis after they bloom. Feed and mulch Iris
Water: Water all new plantings and rest of garden as needed.
Tend: Mulch all bare soil and around plants to retain moisture but do not let mulch touch base or stalk of plant. Pinch back leggy annuals to encourage branching and fullness. Deadhead plants (snip off spent flowers) to encourage continuous blooming. Dig Cat’s Claw and remove bulb (do not simply pull) then discard in a trash bag, never in compost pile. Keep beds free of weeds and debris. Remove bulb foliage after it is brown and dried. If foliage is removed while still green, bulbs will not bloom next year. Do not remove desirable bulbs but if you must please place then in the volunteer shed for replanting.
June
THINGS TO PLANT
Flowering plants: All perennials and warm season annuals
Choose Heirloom or adapted chrysanthemums that will act as perennials. Try Barton Springs Nursery, petalsfromthepast.com or nichegardens.com
Bulbs: Amaryllis, Canna lily, Crinum, Ginger, Daylily, Oxblood Lily, Rain Lily, Spider Lily. Fertilize with high phosphate fertilizer and water in well.
THINGS TO DO
Fertilize: Fertilize new annuals with balanced fertilizer. Feed roses with high nitrogen fertilizer. Feed established annuals and perennials with high nitrogen such as 15-5-10. Water well after fertilizing.
Water: Water in all new plantings. Water established plantings deeply to encourage deep root growth.
Tend: Remove (dead-head) spent blooms from flowering plants. Dig Cat’s Claw and remove bulb (do not simply pull) and dispose of in trash, never in compost. Keep beds free of weeds and debris. Remove bulb foliage after it is brown and dried. If foliage is removed while still green, bulbs will not bloom next year. Do not remove desirable bulbs but if you must please place then in the volunteer shed for replanting.
July
THINGS TO PLANT
Flowering Plants: It’s better to be keeping established plants alive now rather than putting in new plantings, but if you have bare spots you can add these: most perennials, Ageratum, Ajuga, Begonia, Cockscomb, Impatiens (shade), Marigold, Moss rose, Periwinkle, Purslane, Zinnia
Bulbs: Spider Lily, Oxblood Lily. Fertilize with high phosphate and water in well
THINGS TO DO:
Fertilize: Fertilize annuals and perennials if you skipped June. Water well after fertilizing.
Water: Water in all new plantings well. Water established plantings deeply to encourage deep root growth.
Tend: Mulch all bare soil and replenish as needed around plantings being careful not to let mulch touch base of plant. Remove spent blooms from flowering plants. Watch for pests and diseases and ask for help if needed. Dig Cat’s Claw and remove bulb (do not simply pull) and dispose of in trash, never in compost. Keep beds free of weeds and debris. Remove bulb foliage after it is brown and dried. If foliage is removed while still green, bulbs will not bloom next year. Do not remove desirable bulbs but if you must please place then in the volunteer shed for replanting.
August
THINGS TO PLANT:
Flowering Plants: As with July this is not a good month for new plantings but if you have bare spots these can still go in: most perennials, Ajuga, Begonia, Cockscomb, Impatiens (shade), Zinnia
THINGS TO DO:
Fertilize: Feed chrysanthemums every 2-3 weeks until buds appear. Fertilize roses for fall bloom. Always water after fertilizing
Water: Water all new plantings and always water deeply to encourage deep root growth.
Tend: Mid to late month discard faded annuals and amend soil for fall bulb planting. Dig Cat’s Claw and remove bulb (do not simply pull) and discard in trash, never in compost. Keep bed free of weeds and debris. Remove bulb foliage after it is brown and dried. If foliage is removed while still green, bulbs will not bloom next year. Do not remove desirable bulbs but if you must please place then in the volunteer shed for replanting.
September
THINGS TO PLANT:
Flowering plants: Begin planting after mid-month – all perennials, Ajuga, Begonia, Cockscomb, Dianthus, Impatiens, Petunia
Bulbs: Calla Lily, Daylily, Oxblood and Spider Lilies (might not bloom until next fall), Rain Lily
THINGS TO DO:
Fertilize: Feed chrysanthemums every 2-3 weeks until buds appear. Remember to water after fertilizing.
Divide: Amaryllis, Calla Lily, Canna Lily, Daylily, Iris then transplant. Please do not discard any bulbs from your garden. Label then place them in the volunteer shed and let Barbara know they are there.
Tend: Replenish mulch. Dig Cat’s Claw and remove bulb (do not simply pull) and discard in trash, never in compost. Keep beds free of weeds and debris. Remove bulb foliage after it is brown and dried. If foliage is removed while still green, bulbs will not bloom next year. Do not remove desirable bulbs but if you must please place then in the volunteer shed for replanting.
October
THINGS TO PLANT:
Flowering plants: all perennials, Ajuga, Bluebonnet*, Butterfly Weed*, Candytuft*, Cone Flower*,Cornflower*, Dianthus, Forget-me-not, Gaillardia*, Nasturtium*, Pansy, Penstemon*, Petunia*, Phlox, Salvia, Sedum, Snapdragon*
Seeds: Bluebonnet*, Columbine*, Cone Flower*, Coreopsis*, Cornflower*, Daisy (Gloriosa and Shasta)*, Hollyhock*, Larkspur*, Nasturtium*, Poppy*, Snapdragon*, Viola*
* These will bloom in the early or late spring. When given a choice between plants and seeds, try for plants as they are more reliable.
Bulbs: Calla Lily, Chinese Ground Orchid, Crinum, Daylily, Ginger, Iris, Oxblood and Spider Lilies (probably won‘t bloom till next fall), Lily, Oxalis, Rain Lily
THINGS TO DO:
Fertilize: Fertilize Iris and other spring blooming bulbs with a balanced fertilizer
Divide: Divide crowded perennials and plant at your home or share with friends. Dig and store Caladiums if desired or just re-buy and re-plant next April/May.
Tend: Mulch gingers and other perennials that will winter to retain moisture and warmth. Don’t prune now, save that for winter. Dig Cat’s Claw and remove bulb (do not simply pull) and discard in trash, never in compost. Keep beds free of weeds and debris. Remove bulb foliage after it is brown and dried. If foliage is removed while still green, bulbs will not bloom next year. Do not remove desirable bulbs but if you must please place then in the volunteer shed for replanting.
November
THINGS TO PLANT
Flowering plants: all perennials, Ajuga, Bluebonnet*, Butterfly Weed*, Calendula, Candytuft*, Cornflower*, Cone Flower*, Dianthus, Forget-me-not, Gaillardia*, Nasturtium*, Pansy, Penstemon*, Petunia*, Phlox, Primrose, Snapdragon*, Viola*
Seeds: Bluebonnet*, Cone Flower*, Cornflower*, Daisy (Gloriosa and Shasta)*, Hollyhock*, Larkspur*, Poppy*, Snapdragon*, Viola*
*These will bloom in early or late spring. When given a choice try for plants as they might be more reliable.
Bulbs: Agapanthus, Amaryllis (in container), Anemone, Chinese Ground Orchid, Calla Lily, Crinum, Daffodil/Jonquil*, Grape Hyacinth, Dutch Iris, Ginger, Oxblood Lily, Rain Lily, Summer Snowflake, Lily, Society Garlic, Spider Lily, Tulip* (T. clusiana)
*Ask for bulbs that don’t have to be pre-chilled and will naturalize (come back year after year). Tulip variety listed above is one proven to do so. Check out southernbulbs.com for a great selection of bulbs that will naturalize.
THINGS TO DO:
Fertilize: Fertilize bulbs with high phosphorus in the planting hole.
Water: Water everything well before a freeze.
Divide: Divide crowded perennials and plant at your home or share with friends.
Tend: Consider testing your garden’s soil. Test kits are available at the Travis County Extension Office, 1600-B Smith Road, 78721. Replenish mulch if needed. After blooming, cut chrysanthemums back almost to the ground. Remove bulb foliage after it is brown and dried. If foliage is removed while still green, bulbs will not bloom next year. Do not remove desirable bulbs but if you must please place then in the volunteer shed for replanting.
December
THINGS TO PLANT:
Flowering Plants: perennials, Blue Bonnet, Calendula, Cone Flower, Cornflower, Dianthus, Nasturtium, Pansy, Primrose, Snapdragon, Viola
Seeds: Bluebonnet*, Cone Flower*, Larkspur, Poppy*
*Sow these early in the month but opt for plants if available.
Bulbs: Agapanthus, Amaryllis (in container), Anemone, Calla Lily, Canna Lily, Daffodil/Jonquil*, Chinese Ground Orchid, Crinum, Ginger, Grape Hyacinth, Hyacinth (pre-chilled), Iris, Rain Lily Tulip* (T. clusiana)
*Ask for bulbs that don’t have to be pre-chilled and will naturalize (come back year after year). Tulip variety listed above is one proven to do so. Check out southernbulbs.com for a great selection of bulbs that will naturalize.
THINGS TO DO:
Fertilize: Fertilize bulbs with high phosphorus in the planting hole. Feed winter bloomers such as pansies every 4 – 6 weeks.
Water: Water everything well before a freeze.
Prepare: Prepare dormant beds for spring planting: clean out dead and spent plants. Amend soil with bagged soil or compost. Replenish mulch to ready for winter temperatures. Remove bulb foliage after it is brown and dried. If foliage is removed while still green, bulbs will not bloom next year. Do not remove desirable bulbs but if you must please place then in the volunteer shed