IC ROOTS NURSERY
SEASONAL CARE CALENDAR

Your month-by-month guide to edible plant care

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JANUARY - FEBRUARY (Early Winter)

□ Prune dormant fruit trees and berries
□ Apply dormant oil spray for pest control
□ Check tree guards and stakes
□ Plan spring planting layout
□ Order bare-root trees for spring
□ Protect tender plants from frost
□ Monitor stored produce

Focus: Planning and dormant season pruning

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MARCH - APRIL (Spring)

□ Plant bare-root fruit trees
□ Start fertilizing established plants
□ Apply fresh mulch layer
□ Monitor for early pest emergence
□ Prune spring-flowering shrubs after bloom
□ Divide and transplant berries
□ Start seeds indoors for tropicals
□ Remove winter protection as weather warms

Focus: Planting and spring preparation

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MAY - JUNE (Late Spring/Early Summer)

□ Plant container-grown trees and shrubs
□ Thin fruit on young trees
□ Continue fertilizing monthly
□ Monitor and treat pests/diseases
□ Maintain consistent watering schedule
□ Weed regularly around plants
□ Plant tropical varieties outdoors
□ Harvest early berries

Focus: Active growth and early harvest

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JULY - AUGUST (Summer)

□ Harvest fruits as they ripen
□ Water deeply during heat waves
□ Summer prune if needed
□ Monitor for stress signs
□ Continue pest/disease management
□ Apply second fertilizer application
□ Deadhead flowers on fruiting plants
□ Take cuttings for propagation

Focus: Harvest and heat management

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SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER (Fall)

□ Harvest late-season fruits
□ Plant fall container specimens
□ Reduce fertilizing
□ Prepare plants for dormancy
□ Order spring bulbs and plants
□ Take soil samples for testing
□ Clean up fallen fruit and debris
□ Apply fall mulch after frost

Focus: Harvest completion and preparation

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER (Early Winter)

□ Protect tender plants before freeze
□ Wrap young tree trunks
□ Clean and store garden tools
□ Review year's successes and challenges
□ Plan next year's plantings
□ Prune late-dormant plants
□ Move container tropicals indoors
□ Monitor indoor plants

Focus: Winter protection and planning

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DETAILED MONTHLY TASKS

Watering Guidelines
• Spring: 1-2x per week
• Summer: 2-3x per week (daily for containers)
• Fall: 1x per week
• Winter: Monthly (if no precipitation)

Fertilizing Schedule
• Early Spring (March-April): Balanced fertilizer
• Late Spring (May): Nitrogen boost
• Summer (July): Balanced fertilizer
• Fall: Stop fertilizing 6-8 weeks before frost

Pruning Calendar
• Late Winter: Apples, pears, stone fruits
• After Bloom: Spring-flowering plants
• Summer: Light pruning for shape
• Fall: Avoid major pruning (promotes new growth)

Pest Monitoring
• Weekly checks during growing season
• Early intervention prevents major issues
• Use integrated pest management
• Encourage beneficial insects

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ZONE-SPECIFIC NOTES

Zones 3-5 (Cold)
• Extend winter protection
• Later spring planting dates
• Focus on hardy varieties

Zones 6-8 (Moderate)
• Follow standard calendar
• Watch for early/late frosts
• Flexible planting windows

Zones 9-11 (Warm)
• Adjust for mild winters
• Year-round growing possible
• Focus on heat-tolerant varieties

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QUICK REFERENCE

Problem: Yellow leaves
Season: Any
Action: Check watering, drainage, pH

Problem: No fruit
Season: Spring/Summer
Action: Check pollination, age of plant

Problem: Wilting despite water
Season: Summer
Action: Check for root rot, pests

Problem: Frost damage
Season: Spring/Fall
Action: Protect plants, prune damage

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NOTES SECTION

Use this space to track your specific tasks:
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