Find your zone: Look up your USDA plant hardiness zone and average last and first frost dates. They set the timing for almost everything below.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Plan beds, order seeds, and sketch what went well last year.
- Sharpen and service mower blades, pruners, and shears.
- Prune dormant fruit trees and summer-flowering shrubs in late winter.
- Keep heavy foot traffic off frozen grass.
Spring (Mar–May)
- Rake out debris and test your soil's pH and nutrients.
- Apply pre-emergent weed control before soil hits about 55°F (cool-season lawns).
- Start mowing high: keep grass about 3–3.5 inches to shade out weeds.
- Plant cool-season vegetables early; warm-season crops after the last frost.
- Divide crowded perennials and refresh mulch to 2–3 inches.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Water deeply and less often, early in the morning, about 1 inch per week.
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn to return nutrients.
- Deadhead flowers and harvest vegetables often to keep plants producing.
- Watch for pests and treat early with the gentlest option that works.
Fall (Sep–Nov)
- Best time to aerate and overseed cool-season lawns.
- Fertilize cool-season grass in early and late fall.
- Plant trees, shrubs, and spring bulbs while soil is still warm.
- Mulch leaves into the lawn or compost them.
- Drain and store hoses; shut off exterior faucets before the first freeze.
Warm-season lawns
Bermuda, zoysia, and St. Augustine grow most in summer. Fertilize them late spring through summer, and don't overseed them in fall unless you want a winter rye cover.
Want reminders for the rest of the house too? See the seasonal home checklist.
This guide is general, educational information, not professional advice. Rules, prices, and incentives vary by location and change over time. Confirm details with a licensed professional.