Seasonal Garden Tips: Fertilizing, Pruning, and Pollination

Gardening is a year-round effort, and the best results come when you tailor your care to each season. Here’s how to approach fertilizing, pruning, and pollinator support throughout the year to keep your garden healthy and thriving.

Spring

• Fertilize with compost or a balanced fertilizer to jumpstart plant growth.
• Prune winter-damaged branches and shape shrubs.
• Plant early bloomers like crocus or pansies to support hungry bees emerging from dormancy.

Summer

• Keep up with regular feeding, especially for vegetables and flowering plants.
• Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering.
• Plant mid-season pollinator favorites like bee balm and lavender. Avoid pesticide use during the day.

Fall

• Switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote root health.
• Prune selectively — avoid heavy cuts that could stress plants before winter.
• Leave some seed heads on perennials like echinacea to feed birds and pollinators.

Winter

• Stop fertilizing — most plants are dormant.
• Prune deciduous trees and shrubs while they’re asleep.
• Plan your spring garden, especially pollinator patches. Order seeds early to stay ahead.

Working with the seasons keeps your garden in sync with nature. A little planning and well-timed care leads to healthier plants, more blooms, and a garden that supports both you and the wildlife around you.