Gardener's Almanac Monthly Gardening Checklist

January Tips & Checklist

• Peruse garden/seed catalogs for new vegetable varieties to try in the garden
• Plan and design the vegetable garden. Rotate vegetable families to reduce disease buildup.
• Consider growing herbs and/or microgreens indoors to add fresh greens to your diet.
• Use deicing compounds sparingly to avoid salt damage to landscape plants.
• If storing bulbs, check their condition to ensure they are firm. Remove any that are soft or rotten.
• Perform routine maintenance on lawn mowers and other small engine garden equipment.
• Sign up to become a member of the USU sponsored Botanical Gardens and receive discounts on classes and workshops along with other special benefits.

Video of January gardening tips

February Tips & Checklist

• Consider adding a smaller structure such as a low tunnel or a larger high tunnel to extend your growing season.
• Try growing herbs and/or microgreens indoors to add fresh greens to your diet.
• Try starting vegetables indoors from seed to get a jump start on the growing season
• If storing bulbs, check their condition to ensure they are firm. Remove any soft or rotten bulbs.
• Prune grapes and fruit trees in late February to early March.
• Fertilize fruit trees (pg. 24) trees at least 6 weeks before they bloom.

Pests and Problems:

• Monitor landscape for deer and rodent damage.
• Avoid fungus gnat infestations in house plants by allowing the soil to dry between watering.

Video of February gardening tips

March Tips & Checklist

• Consider taking soil samples to determine fertilizer needs.
• Plant seeds of cool-season vegetables (peas, lettuce, and radishes) as soon as garden soil is workable.
• Consider planting peas in the garden every 2-3 weeks (until early May) to extend the harvest.
• If you didn’t do it in the fall, add organic matter to the vegetable garden to help build and amend soil.
• Avoid compacted soil in the garden by not tilling when wet or saturated.
• Consider backyard composting or vermiculture (composting with worms).
• If storing bulbs, check their condition to ensure they are firm. Remove any soft or rotten bulbs.
• If locally available, plant bare-root trees and shrubs. Keep the exposed roots moist until planted.
• Remove protective trunk wrap and burlap from trees after the snow has melted.
• Fertilize spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodil, fritillaria, and crocus.
• Plant cold-hardy pansies and primrose.
• Subscribe to Utah Pests IPM Advisories for timely tips on controlling pests in your yard and garden.
• Learn how to prune berries and fruit trees such as apples, pears, peaches, cherries, plums, and apricots.
• Attend a USU Extension-sponsored pruning demonstration near you. Contact your local county Extension office for information.
• Apply horticulture oils at bud break (delayed dormant) in fruit trees to control overwintering insect pests.
• Apply pre-emergent herbicides in late-March to mid-April to control annual weeds in the lawn such as crabgrass and spurge.
• Sharpen lawn mower blades to prepare for the mowing season. Set mower height at 2 1/2 to 3 inches, and mow at this height all summer.
• Consider including a native fruiting species in the landscape, such as chokecherry, elderberry, serviceberry or currant.

Pests and Problems:

• Download the Utah Home Orchard Pest Management Guide.
• Learn about damping-off, a fungal disease that affects new seedlings.
• Take control measures during bud break for aspen leaf spot, which may be prevalent during cool, wet springs.
• Take control measures during bud break for anthracnose, which may be prevalent during cool, wet springs.
• Control rust mites in apple and pear trees after leaves have emerged and expanded to 1/2 inch.
• Apply dormant oil to pears when leaf buds swell. This smothers eggs of the pear psylla that are laid on buds by overwintering adults.

Video of March gardening tips

April Tips & Checklist

• Plant seeds of cool-season vegetables (peas, lettuce, spinach, radishes) as soon as garden soil is workable.
• Check out over 55 vegetable and herb fact sheets produced by USU Extension.
• Consider planting peas in the garden every 2-3 weeks (until early May) to extend the harvest. 
• Now is a great time to learn how to plant and harvest asparagus and rhubarb. 
• Control young garden weeds by hoeing or hand-pulling.
• Protect fruit blossoms and tender garden plants from late critical freezing temperatures.
• If storing bulbs, check to make sure they are firm, and remove any that are soft or rotten.
• Wait to prune roses until buds begin to swell to avoid late-frost damage to new growth.
• Prune spring flowering shrubs (those that bloom before June) after they have bloomed to encourage new flower buds for next season.
• Divide crowded, fall-blooming perennials.
• Divide cool-season ornamental grasses when new growth begins to emerge.
• Apply chelated iron (FeEDDHA) to plants that have had prior problems with iron chlorosis.
• Use organic mulches (wood chips or bark) to retain soil moisture around shrubs and trees.
• Plant a tree to celebrate National Arbor Day. The USU Tree Browser offers an interactive list of tree species adapted to the Intermountain West.
• Apply pre-emergent herbicides in late March to mid-April to control annual weeds in the lawn, such as crabgrass and spurge.
• Learn about lawn care and planting new lawns.
• In compacted sites, aerate with a hollow core aerator when turfgrass is actively growing, usually from April to June.
• Check your sprinkler system for leaks. Clean filters, and fix and align heads.

Pests and Problems:

• Download the Utah Home Orchard Pest Management Guide.
• Learn about common problems in apples, pears, plums, peaches and nectarines, cherries, and apricots.
• Reduce chemical use to help promote beneficial insects in your landscape.
• Treat for coryneum blight in stone fruits (cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums) at shuck split, approximately 10 days after flower petals drop.
• Treat apples for powdery mildew when leaves are emerging (at 1/2 inch green) until June.
• Monitor wet weather during bloom in apples, pears, and hawthorns to determine if treatment for fire blight is needed.
• Treat fruit trees for cat-facing insects, like stink bugs, to prevent dimples and pucker marks in fruit.
• Use preventative controls for peach twig borer in peaches, nectarines, and apricots to help reduce twig and fruit damage later in the season.
• Control spring-flying bark beetles in pine trees and other conifers.
• Watch for Cutworm damage in turfgrass and new vegetable starts.

Video of April gardening tips

May Tips & Checklist

• Plant warm-season vegetables and annual flowers once the threat of the last frost has passed. See average first- and last-frost dates.
• Plant tomatoes deep enough that they are able to form more roots along the stem to create a vigorous plant.
• Consider planting sweet corn in the garden every other week (until early July) to extend the harvest.
• Learn about various fertilizers, including traditional fertilizer options, and organic fertilizers.
• Thin overcrowded seedlings using scissors. Try to avoid disturbing young roots.
• Protect fruit blossoms and tender garden plants from late freezing temperatures. See critical temperatures for frost damage in fruit.
• Plant summer-blooming bulbs including gladiola, begonia, dahlia, and canna.
• Divide warm-season ornamental grasses when new growth begins to emerge.
• Control landscape and garden weeds.
• Allow the foliage of spring blooming bulbs (tulips, daffodils, and crocus) to die down before removing the leaves.
• Renovate areas of your yard where there has been lawn damage.
• Learn about irrigation needs in your area.
• Aerate with a hollow core aerator in compacted sites when turfgrass is actively growing (April – June).
• Control broadleaf weeds in the lawn when temperatures are between 60-80 F. Follow the label and stop use of broadleaf herbicides once the temperature is above 85°F.
• Apply a slow-release lawn fertilizer to provide long-lasting results through the summer months.

Pests and Problems:

• Monitor newly planted vegetables for cutworm and flea beetle damage.
• Monitor for cankerworm damage on scrub oak and Box Elder trees along the foothills.
• Monitor for aphids on lush, new spring growth on plants. Treat for aphids by using “softer” solutions such as spraying them with a hard stream of water or by using an insecticidal soap.
• Monitor for slugs and snails. These pests thrive in moist, cool areas of the garden and landscape and feed on a variety of plant hosts.
• Protect ash trees from the lilac/ash borer around May first.
• Control codling moth in apples and pears to reduce wormy fruit. For specific timing, see our  Utah Pests Advisories.
• Treat for powdery mildew on apples  when leaves begin emerging (at 1/2 inch green) until June.
• Watch for insect pests in raspberries from mid-May to early June.
• Watch for cutworm damage in turfgrass and new vegetable starts.
• Monitor for damaging turfgrass insects. In areas previously damaged, consider a preventative (systemic) insecticide.

Video of May gardening tips

June Tips & Checklist

• Discontinue harvesting asparagus spears in early June to allow the fronds to form for the rest of the growing season.
• Prune tomatoes to open the canopy of the plant.
• Consider drip irrigation in the garden to conserve water with either tape or pvc pipe.
• Consider planting sweet corn in the garden every other week (until early July) to extend the harvest.
• Prune spring flowering shrubs (those that bloom before June) after they have bloomed to encourage new flower buds for next season.
• Deadhead (cut off) spent blossoms of perennial and annual flowers.
• Thin the fruit of apples, peaches, and apricots to approximately one fruit every 5-6 inches.
• Apply a second application of pre-emergent herbicides in late May to early June to control annual weeds in the lawn such as crabgrass and spurge.
• Remember that turfgrass only needs 1 to 1 ½ inches of irrigation per week. See irrigation needs in your area.

Pests and Problems:

• Monitor vegetables and herbs for earwig damage.
• Protect ash trees with a registered chemical to prevent lilac/ash borer damage.
• Use control measures in apples and pears to reduce wormy fruit. For specific timing see the Utah Pests Advisories.
• Treat for powdery mildew on apples beginning when leaves are emerging (at 1/2 inch green) until June.
• Watch for insect pests in raspberries from mid-May thru early June. For specific timing see our Utah Pests Advisories.
• Control the Western cherry fruit fly when fruit changes color from straw color to pink to avoid maggots in cherries.
• Control the peach twig borer in peaches, nectarines, and apricot trees. For specific timing see our Utah Pests Advisories.
• Monitor for damaging turfgrass insects. In areas previously damaged, consider a preventative (systemic) insecticide.

Video of June gardening tips

July Tips & Checklist

• Start enjoying the tomato harvest.
• Fertilize potatoes with nitrogen in early July.
• Harvest summer squash and zucchini when they are still small and tender.
• Deep water established trees and shrubs about once a month during the heat of summer.
• Deadhead (cut off) spent blossoms of perennial and annual flowers.
• Divide crowded iris or daylilies once they have finished blooming.
• Visit alpine areas for wildflower displays.
• Remove water sprouts (vertical shoots in the canopy) on fruit trees to discourage regrowth.
• Renovate perennial strawberry beds by tearing out old crowns (mother plants) and applying fertilizer to stimulate new runners.
• Remember that turfgrass only needs 1½ to 2 inches of irrigation per week. Learn about irrigation needs in your area.

Pests and Problems:

• Check under leaves of pumpkins, melons, and squash plants for squash bugs.
• Watch for mosaic virus in vine crops, such as cucumbers and watermelons, and remove infected plants to reduce spreading.
• Watch for holes from tobacco budworm feeding in the leaves of petunias, nicotiana, geraniums, and other annual flowers.
• Protect black locust trees (not honey locust) with a registered chemical to prevent locust borer damage.
• Control codling moth in apples and pears to reduce wormy fruit. For specific timing see our Utah Pests Advisories.
• Control walnut husk fly in walnuts, peaches, and apricots, typically on August 1st and 15th.
• Learn how to identify a hobo spider.
• Control European paper wasp with traps this time of year.
• Monitor for damaging turfgrass insects.

Video of July gardening tips

August Tips & Checklist

• Consider planting cover crops to provide “green manure” to the garden.
• Collect and store seeds from your garden.
• Learn about how and when to harvest watermelon and cantaloupe.
• Harvest potatoes as soon as tubers begin forming.
• Harvest garlic and onions once the tops have dried down. Allow them to dry for 2-3 weeks before storing.
• Store potatoes, garlic, and onions in a cool/dry location (32-40°F) away from apples.
• Plant trees and shrubs as the weather becomes cooler.
• Go hiking in the hills to enjoy autumn colors.
• Divide crowded, spring-blooming perennials.
• Consider composting fall leaves.
• Check pears for ripeness once the fruit twists off the tree easily and the seeds are dark colored, then allow them to finish ripening off the tree.
• Apply a slow-release lawn fertilizer early in September to provide long-lasting results throughout the fall.
• Remember that as temperatures cool, turfgrass requires minimal irrigation each week. See irrigation needs in your area.
• Plant new lawns or repair insect/diseased areas with grass seed, allowing 4-6 weeks for establishment before heavy frosts.
• Aerate compacted sites with a hollow core aerator when turfgrass is actively growing (September to October).

Pests and Problems:

• Control raspberry crown borer using a root drench during late summer or early fall.
• Learn about diseases and problems in apples and how to manage them. 
• Control rust mites in apple and pear trees after harvesting fruit and before leaf drop.
• Watch for boxelder bugs congregating on sunny surfaces during the fall months.
• Monitor for damaging turfgrass insects.
• Subscribe to the Utah Pests IPM Advisories for timely tips on controlling yard and garden pests.

Video of August gardening tips

September Tips & Checklist

• Deadhead (cut off) spent blossoms of perennial and annual flowers.
• Deep water established trees and shrubs about once per month when it is hot.
• Remember that turfgrass only needs 1 ½ to 2 inches of irrigation per week. See irrigation needs in your area.

Pests and Problems:

• Be aware that if tomatoes are not producing, one common reason is hot weather (95°F and above), which causes flower abortion.
• Watch for blossom end rot (black sunken areas on the end of tomatoes), which is common and is caused by uneven watering.
• Check under leaves of pumpkins, melons, and squash plants for squash bugs.
• Treat for corn ear worm when the corn’s silk is approximately ½-inch long.
• Treat for spider mites by using “softer” solutions such as spraying them with a hard stream of water or by using an insecticidal soap. They prefer dry, hot weather and affect varying plants.
• Identify spider mites by shaking leaves over a white piece of paper. If the small specs move, you have mites.
• Control codling moth in apples and pears to reduce wormy fruit. For specific timing, see our Utah Pests Advisories.
• Control of the greater peach tree borer in peaches, nectarines, and apricots generally occurs in July. However, for specific timing, see our Utah Pests Advisories.
• Submit a sample to the Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab (UPPDL).
• Watch for symptoms of turfgrass diseases.
• Monitor for damaging turfgrass insects.

Video of September gardening tips

October Tips & Checklist

• Learn about average first and last frost dates around the state.
• Consider adding a smaller structure such as a low tunnel or a larger high tunnel to extend your growing season. Try looking at different construction and modification information
• Learn how and when to harvest winter squash. Store winter squash in a cool, (50-55°F) dry location.
• Plant garlic cloves from mid-October through early November.
• Refer to this list of fall cleanup chores and good landscape practices to get your yard ready for winter. 
• Remove vegetable plants from the garden once harvest is complete to reduce overwintering sites for insect pests.
• Protect tomatoes from early frost by covering the plants with a blanket or tarp.
• Place mulch over carrots, beets and parsnips to prevent the ground around them from freezing.
• Rototill leaves, compost and/or manure into the vegetable garden to enhance the soil microbe activity.
• Prune roses by heading back excessively long canes to prevent damage from heavy snow loads. 
• Cut back ornamental grasses in snow prone areas once the foliage has dried down, otherwise leave them until spring and enjoy the vertical accent during winter.
• Plant spring blooming bulbs through early November.
• Plant trees and shrubs in the fall to enhance root establishment.
• Dig tender perennials such as gladiolas, dahlias, begonias and canna lilies after the foliage has died down and store them in a cool, (45-50 °F) dry location.
• Protect trunks of young trees from winter cracking by wrapping them with a white reflective tree wrap.
• Dig and remove annual flower plantings.
• Plant cold-hardy annuals, including pansies, primrose, kale, and ornamental cabbage.
• Prune raspberry canes to the ground after they have fruited.
• Control tough perennial weeds such as field bindweed (a.k.a. morning glory). Refer to this list of weed control options.
• Mow grass to a height of 1-to-1½ inches at the end of the season to minimize disease problems.
• Apply a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer after the last mowing (late October to early November) for early greening next spring.

Pests and Problems:

• Send diseased vegetable plants and leaves to the local landfill.
• Use burlap or other soft materials to wrap evergreens to prevent snow breakage.
• Treat stone fruits (cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums) for coryneum blight at 50% leaf drop.
• Clean up and discard all fallen fruit to reduce overwintering sites for disease and insect pests.

November Tips & Checklist

• If natural precipitation is sparse and ground is not frozen, water evergreen trees and shrubs to ensure they are well hydrated heading into winter.
• Blow out irrigation systems.
• Winterize lawn mowers and rototillers by draining the gas or adding a fuel stabilizer. Be sure to follow manufacturer recommendations.
• Clean and sharpen dirty garden tools and treat them with old oil or other rust-inhibiting products.
• Disconnect hoses from water spouts to avoid freezing damage.
• If you haven’t mowed your grass for the final time, cut it to a height of 1-to-1½ inches to minimize disease problems.
• Apply a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer after the last mowing for early greening next spring. 
• For a complete list of tips for putting the yard and garden to bed, click here. 

December Tips & Checklist

• Use deicing compounds sparingly to avoid salt damage to landscape plants.
• If natural precipitation is sparse and ground is not frozen, water evergreen trees and shrubs to ensure they are well hydrated heading into winter.
• Learn more information on poinsettias.
• Try your hand at forcing amaryllis to bloom indoors for the holidays.
• Information on Christmas tree selection and care.
• Shop for your gardener, great holiday gifts include: books, pruners, gift certificate, gloves, a living wreath, pottery, yard ornaments.
• Sign up to become a member of the USU sponsored Botanical Gardens and receive discounts on classes and workshops along with other special benefits.