Maintenance Calendar
January
Winter sow native seeds in milk jugs
Clean/sharpen gardening tools
February
Plant bare-rooted trees and shrubs
Prune trees, shrubs, and vines
March
Cut dead leaves, stems and seed heads; leave them on the ground or in a brush pile so native insects overwintering there have time to emerge
Plant bare-rooted trees and shrubs
Prune trees, shrubs, and vines
April
Plant native annuals and perennials
Divide and move perennials
Prune tall grasses, goldenrods, wild bergamot, sweet coneflower, garden phlox and asters to promote fuller, more compact growth
May
Any week it doesn't rain, water new transplants
Divide and move perennials
June
Mulch with bark or leaves to reduce summer yard maintenance.
Continue to water new plantings deeply as needed
Take softwood cuttings from shrubs and place in a moist shady spot to root
July
Continue to water new plantings deeply as needed
Trim or tie back anything obstructing paths
Remove diseased plant material like aster yellows (alien-looking mutations) by digging entire plant and disposing in trash; composting will spread the virus
August
Continue to water new plantings deeply as needed
Divide and replant spring blooming perennials
September
Check plants for signs of water stress, nutrient deficiency or disease
Divide and move perennials and grasses
October
Mulch/use leaves where needed to maintain moisture and protect from winter freezing and drought
Remove invasives like bush honeysuckle (leaves are bright yellow with red berries in October)
Keep dead leaves, stems and seed heads on perennials and grasses throughout winter to provide food and shelter for birds and overwintering insects
November
Winterize hoses and outside water sources. Clean out rain barrels. Clean or remove water feature pumps
Continue to seek out and remove invasive species
Prune conflicting and crowded branches and dead limbs from trees and shrubs
December
Clean out bluebird and other bird houses in fall or winter
Winter sow native seeds in milk jugs
Based on the Native Landscape Maintenance Schedule from Missouri Botanical Garden