Table of Contents
Creating a vibrant garden with annuals in Zone 6 requires understanding the seasonal care calendar. This guide helps you plan month by month to ensure your garden blooms beautifully all year round.
January
In January, focus on planning your garden layout and ordering seeds. Protect any overwintering annuals from harsh weather with mulch or covers. Keep an eye on soil preparation indoors for upcoming planting.
February
Start seeds indoors for early bloomers like petunias and marigolds. Prepare garden beds by clearing debris and adding compost. This is also a good time to prune and clean up existing plants.
March
As the weather warms, begin transplanting seedlings outdoors after the last frost date. Choose hardy annuals such as pansies and snapdragons. Keep soil moist and fertilize lightly.
April
April is ideal for planting a wide variety of annuals. Consider adding colorful flowers like zinnias and cosmos. Regular watering and mulching help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
May
Plant warm-weather annuals after the danger of frost has passed. This includes petunias, impatiens, and begonias. Keep up with watering, especially during dry spells, and fertilize regularly.
June
June is peak planting time for many annuals. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Monitor for pests and diseases, and provide support for tall plants as needed.
July
Continue watering deeply and consistently during hot summer months. Fertilize every few weeks to promote lush growth. Consider planting heat-tolerant varieties like lantanas and verbena.
August
August is a good time to plant late-season annuals such as celosia and ornamental grasses. Keep soil moist and mulch to conserve water. Remove faded flowers to extend blooming period.
September
As temperatures cool, start planning for fall plantings. You can still plant hardy annuals like pansies and snapdragons. Fertilize to support new growth and prepare beds for the coming season.
October
October is ideal for planting cool-season annuals. Add mums, pansies, and violas to brighten your garden. Protect tender plants from early frosts with covers or bring them indoors.
November
In November, focus on cleaning up garden beds and removing spent plants. Mulch beds to insulate roots and prepare for winter. Plan next year’s garden layout and order seeds early.
December
December is a quiet month. Use this time to review your garden successes and failures. Keep an eye on seed catalogs for planning next year’s planting schedule. Protect any remaining annuals from winter weather.