Containers
January
Protect container plants from frost
Action time: 09/01 - 09/01
A sudden hard frost can damage or kill vulnerable patio plants. Move pots indoors if possible or insulate them with a layer of bubble wrap or hessian.
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Protect patio plants
Action time: 13/01 - 13/01
Container grown plants are more at risk from frost damage than plants growing in the border. Protect plants by wrapping the pots with bubble wrap.
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February
Protect patio plants
Action time: 03/02 - 03/02
Even if your container plants have as yet escaped winter damage, there's still a chance of prolonged frost. Protect plants by wrapping the pots in bubble wrap, or move them to somewhere more sheltered.
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Rejuvenate potted plants
Action time: 05/02 - 07/02
Give potted plants an instant boost of nutrients by replacing the top layer of soil with fresh compost.
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March
Boost pot grown shrubs
Action time: 19/03 - 26/03
Give your shrubs an instant boost with a fresh layer of compost. If your plant has outgrown its pot, gently tease out the roots before repotting.
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Grow crops in pots
Action time: 24/03 - 30/03
Sow seeds of compact vegetable varieties in pots from now until the end of April.
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Get ready for hanging baskets
Action time: 29/03 - 11/04
Start sowing annual seeds now for your summer baskets. Our guide shows you how to design the perfect display and which varieties to try.
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April
Start watering patio pots
Action time: 12/04 - 15/04
Pots on the patio can be in danger of drying out as the weather warms up. Check the soil and water little and often.
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Plant up hanging baskets
Action time: 23/04 - 30/04
Plant hanging baskets with your favourite summer annuals. Place your baskets outside after the last frost to acclimatise them and water daily.
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May
Keep pots watered
Action time: 08/05 - 08/05
Container plants need regular watering during spring and summer as the soil can dry out very quickly.
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June
Water hanging baskets daily
Action time: 01/06 - 03/06
Keep well-watered and remove faded flowers from your hanging baskets to encourage more blooms throughout the summer.
Read moreKeep pots watered
Action time: 02/06 - 02/06
Check the soil in pots at least twice a week as summer advances to make sure your plants don't wilt.
Read moreJuly
Water your hanging baskets
Action time: 01/07 - 01/07
During the height of summer, water your hanging baskets at least once a day.
Read moreFeed your hanging baskets
Action time: 02/07 - 02/07
Boost the flowers in your hanging basket with a weekly liquid feed.
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Deadhead spent blooms
Action time: 03/07 - 03/07
Deadhead faded flowers regularly to encourage more blooms in your hanging baskets.
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Keep pots watered
Action time: 03/07 - 03/07
You may need to water plants daily if the weather is particularly dry. Raise pots off the ground to encourage drainage and try to water in the evening to reduce evaporation.
Read moreAugust
Water your hanging baskets
Action time: 01/08 - 01/08
During the height of summer, water your hanging baskets at least once a day.
Read moreKeep pots watered
Action time: 04/08 - 04/08
During the holiday season patio plants can get neglected. Ask a neighbour or friend to water your pots while you're away. Or consider investing in an automatic watering system with a timer.
Read moreFeed your hanging baskets
Action time: 06/08 - 06/08
Boost the flowers in your hanging basket with a weekly liquid feed.
Read moreDeadhead spent blooms
Action time: 07/08 - 07/08
Deadhead faded flowers regularly to encourage more blooms in your hanging baskets.
Read moreSeptember
Water your hanging baskets
Action time: 02/09 - 02/09
Continue watering your hanging baskets daily to get the most of your remaining flowers.
Read moreFeed your hanging baskets
Action time: 02/09 - 02/09
Boost the flowers in your hanging basket with a weekly liquid feed.
Read moreDeadhead spent blooms
Action time: 04/09 - 04/09
Deadhead faded flowers regularly to encourage more blooms in your hanging baskets.
Read moreOctober
Feed your hanging baskets
Action time: 01/10 - 01/10
The plants may be almost spent but continue to boost what's left in your hanging basket with a liquid feed.
Read moreNovember
Plant winter baskets
Action time: 11/11 - 21/11
Line wire baskets and fill them with early-flowering bulbs for a spring display.
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Protect patio plants
Action time: 14/11 - 18/11
Move tender plants into a sheltered place, such as a porch or cold greenhouse, to help get them through the worst of the winter weather.
Read moreDecember
Wrap up tender patio plants
Action time: 05/12 - 10/12
Container grown plants are more at risk from frost damage than plants growing in the border. Protect plants by wrapping the pots with a layer of insulation.
Read morePlant winter baskets
Action time: 10/12 - 14/12
Line wire baskets and fill them with early-flowering bulbs for a spring display.
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Tips calendar
Your gardening year
If you want to see all of our gardening tips for the year, try out our new year planner.
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