Free Seasonal Landscape Plant Care Guide
The experts at Plant Addicts created this practical, season-by-season checklist for shrubs, perennials, annuals, and trees—complete with the watering and pruning tips we trust in our own gardens.
Timing your garden tasks varies by region.
Use your local frost dates and temperatures as a guide—or simply follow the seasonal cues below.
Quick Start: How to Use This Guide
We don’t garden by the calendar—we garden by plant signals. Here’s our simple approach:
| Season | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Early Spring | Soil is thawed; daytime temps stay above 45–50°F |
| Late Spring | After your last expected frost |
| Fall | Cool nights and slowed plant growth |
| Winter | Dormant season; focus is on protection, not growth |
New Plant Watering Guide (Your #1 Success Factor)
Most plant losses are due to poor root establishment. Follow this timeline for in-ground plantings:
| Time Period | Watering Instructions |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Water daily or every other day (keep the root ball evenly moist) |
| Weeks 3–12 | Water every 2–3 days; adjust for heat/wind/sandy soil |
| After ~12 weeks | Water weekly when dry; continue through the first growing season, and longer for trees |
How Deep to Water
Trees: Use slow, deeper soakings
Check Soil Moisture: Stick your finger or a small trowel 2–3" into the soil. Water when it's dry at that depth.
Mulch Tips
• Leave a small gap around stems and trunks (avoid “mulch volcanoes”)
Spring Checklist (Set the Stage)
Early Spring (Cleanup + Prep)
☐ Cut back perennials as new growth appears
☐ Pull early weeds—easiest time to stay ahead
☐ Refresh mulch to 2–3" depth
Late Spring (Plant + Feed)
☐ Start the new-plant watering routine
☐ Apply slow-release fertilizer only if needed (avoid overfeeding)
☐ Stake tall perennials before they flop
Note: Skip pruning spring-blooming shrubs before flowering and overfeeding stressed or newly planted shrubs.
Summer Checklist (Keep Plants Thriving)
☐ Check irrigation for dry zones
☐ Deadhead annuals and reblooming perennials to extend blooms
☐ Monitor weekly for pests and diseases; treat early
☐ Light pruning only if needed (avoid major cuts in heat)
Tip: During heat waves, pause fertilizing and prioritize morning watering with consistent moisture.
Fall Checklist (Your Underrated Secret Weapon)
Early Fall
☐ Keep watering new plants until temperatures cool consistently
☐ Remove diseased foliage (do not compost if infected)
Mid–Late Fall
☐ Top-dress beds with compost (optional but beneficial)
☐ Mulch after first hard frost for winter protection
Note: Avoid heavy pruning in late fall—it can trigger tender new growth before winter.
Winter Checklist (What Actually Matters)
☐ Protect young tree trunks from critters and sunscald (use tree guards or wrap)
☐ Avoid salt spray near garden beds (use plant-safe de-icer)
☐ Water evergreens during warm, dry, windy weather
Pruning Cheat Sheet (Simple & Reliable)
| Plant Type | When to Prune |
|---|---|
| Spring-blooming shrubs | Right after flowering |
| Summer-blooming shrubs | Late winter or early spring |
| Dead or damaged branches | Remove anytime |
Troubleshooting (Our Quick Decision Guide)
| Problem | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Wilting | Check soil. If dry 2–3" down, water deeply. If soggy, stop watering and improve drainage. |
| Yellow Leaves | Usually overwatering or poor drainage. Fix watering before fertilizing. |
| No Blooms | Could be shade, pruning time, or too much nitrogen. |
| Leaf Spots / Mildew | Improve airflow, water in the morning, and remove infected leaves. |
Prefer a printable version? Download the PDF here.