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EN·IT

Almanac

What to do in the garden, month by month. Pick the climate: April in Sicily isn't April in London.

UK

JanuaryTHIS MONTHKeep off frozen or waterlogged soil and lawns.FebruaryTHIS MONTHPrune late-summer-flowering shrubs and climbers hard.MarchTHIS MONTHFinish pruning bush roses and late-flowering shrubs.AprilTHIS MONTHSow most vegetables outdoors; tender crops indoors.MayTHIS MONTHPlant out tender plants once frost risk has passed.JuneTHIS MONTHWater deeply and less often, early or late in the day.JulyTHIS MONTHWater pots daily in hot spells; soak borders deeply once a week.AugustTHIS MONTHKeep watering pots and new plantings.SeptemberTHIS MONTHPlant daffodils and other spring bulbs (not tulips yet).OctoberTHIS MONTHMove tender patio plants under cover before the first frost.NovemberTHIS MONTHPlant bare-root trees, roses, fruit and hedging.DecemberTHIS MONTHCheck stored tubers and bulbs for rot.

Italy

JanuaryTHIS MONTHProtect citrus and potted Mediterranean plants from frost, especially in the north.FebruaryTHIS MONTHCut back hard the shrubs and climbers that flower in summer.MarchTHIS MONTHFinish pruning roses and late-flowering shrubs.AprilTHIS MONTHPlant out summer vegetables once nights stay above 10°C.MayTHIS MONTHIn the north, plant out summer vegetables and balcony plants.JuneTHIS MONTHWater deeply and less often, early in the morning or in the evening.JulyTHIS MONTHWater pots daily in hot spells; soak beds deeply once or twice a week.AugustTHIS MONTHKeep watering pots and young plants.SeptemberTHIS MONTHPlant daffodils and other spring bulbs (but not tulips yet).OctoberTHIS MONTHIn the north, get tender plants under cover before the first frost.NovemberTHIS MONTHPlant bare-root trees, roses, soft fruit and hedges.DecemberTHIS MONTHCheck stored tubers and bulbs.