Gardening Calendar - Your Month By Month Checklist

As each month & season changes, so will the gardening jobs we have to do - but how can we keep on top of them? Our gardening calendar has been broken down month by month making it easy for you to check what needs to be done at the different times of the year.

Let's get started! Look through our gardening calendar to see what jobs you can be getting on.

January

We're in the middle of winter but that doesn't mean we have to neglect the garden! Here are some January gardening jobs to keep your outdoor area looking it's best.

Tidy Debris

During the winter months, everything from leaves, branches & rubbish accumulates in our gardens.

Grab a rake or a broom, gather all your rubbish together & put it in a black bag or straight into your garden waste bin to get it looking tidy again.

If you've got a lawn in your garden, you can also scarify it to loosen any built up moss to promote healthy growth. Never scarified a lawn before? Don't worry! We have a blog all about how to scarify a lawn that explains everything you need to know.

Clear Your Gutters

Leaves and other debris can also affect your guttering system. Blocked gutters stop the flow of water and cause it to back up which can cause water damage and other issues.

Get yourself some safe and suitable ladders that will help you reach your gutters and remove whatever is causing the blockage.

Plant Seeds

Get your garden blossoming again by planting your favourite seeds. Whether flowers, fruits, veggies, herbs or even chillies, January is an ideal time to sow your seeds so that they are ready in time for the upcoming months.

Winter Digging

This is really important to get your soil ready for the spring.

Dig over bare patches of earth around your garden & mix compost and organic matter such as manures, soil improver or woodchips as you go.

By doing this you allows air & water to help cultivate to prepare it for planting & other gardening jobs in the Spring. We have a range of digging & cultivating tools for you to choose from.

Sort Out Hedges & Shrubs

To help encourage healthy growth of your hedges and shrubs, sprinkle all-purpose fertiliser around the base of your hedges and shrubs and watch them flourish over time. You might want to trim them down too if they have overgrown during the wetter months.

Buy some fertiliser for your garden online at HSS.

Sharpen Your Tools

Now that you'll be getting the garden in shape for the months ahead, it'll be an ideal time to sharpen your garden tools before you get started.

Whetstones, files, sharpening steels & diamond coated sharpening tools can help you get your forks, shears, pruners and more, sharp enough to get your jobs done.

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February

February is an exciting time in the garden as we wait for the end of winter to disappear and we start to see signs that spring is on it's on the way.

Check out these top gardening jobs for February below.

Prepare your Beds

If you have flower beds or veg patches in the borders of your garden, you can help improve soil condition in February by adding a layer of compost or well-rotted manure and forking it into the surface.

Then add a layer of garden fleece or polythene to add warmth to the soil ready for sowing outdoors in the coming weeks.

Cut Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses is an attractive garden feature over the winter months. Before the new growth gets out of hand, February is the perfect time to trim old foliage to make way for the new shoots.

With evergreen species, you can just remove the dead leaves by hand. With varieties that shed their leaves annually, you’ll need a pair of secateurs to cut back the old stems as low to the ground as possible, avoiding any new shoots.

Care for the Birds

If you have a bird feeder or bird bath in your garden, it's important to clean it out to support the health of your garden's wildlife.

Many natural food sources start running low towards the end of winter so feeding the garden birds is important at this time of year.

Put up a bird box making sure it is at least 1 to 3 metres off the ground, out of high winds and direct sunlight, and somewhere tricky for cats to reach.

Fix Fences

February is the time to make sure your fencing, gates or trellises are all in good working order. Check for broken or loose panels, rotting boards or even fading wood treatment.

To bring your fencing back to life apply timber treatment and replace any damaged panels with our range of timber.

Tool Maintenance

They may have been put away for the winter and not used for months so you’ll need to check on your lawnmower and garden tools as they will soon start getting plenty of regular use.

Check if blades need sharpening, joints need lubricating; everything needs a once over to ensure they are fit for the months ahead.

Sowing Seeds

We know we have already mentioned this back in January, You’ll need to start sowing seeds indoors if there is still a chance of frost. If you can't, use a greenhouse or cold frame with added insulation for outdoor sowing.

Seeds such as cosmos or salvia can be started in a propagator or on a well-lit windowsill. You could even try sowing sweet peas into biodegradable toilet roll tubes; they grow long roots that like to be undisturbed so transplanting them straight out into a container when they are ready is ideal.

If you are planning to sow outdoors, you can start to prepare your beds by adding a layer of fleece to warm the soil.

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March

The start of spring is here and as the sun is out for longer (finally!). You’ll see signs of new growth everywhere as the ground thaws and begins to warm.

We have listed the top gardening jobs for March below to help you plan this springtime.

Pruning

Using a sharp, clean pair of secateurs, cut back and prune winter damage from trees, shrubs and any remaining perennials.

Removing dead wood and shaping plants will encourage healthy new growth.

Feed your borders

Your borders adds an extra touch of beauty to your garden so make sure you don't leave them out when gardening in March.

Apply a generous amount of mulch and fork well-rotted manure or compost into the top layers of soil to help feed it, especially if you plan to grow vegetable or fruit.

Planted rhubarb in your borders? If you add feed to it, this will help with growth and early shoots will be ready to pull from April.

Support climbers

If you’re thinking of growing climbing plants, March is the time to do it.

Climbers such as sweet peas and Spanish flags will add colour and interest to your borders ascending trellises, canes, and arches.

Any climbing veg such as beans and peas will also need something to hold on to as they grow upwards. You can use a wooden trellis, wire frames, netting, or make a homemade cane and string wigwam to encourage growth and protect them from winds.

Get some kind of supporting frames in the ground now before the greenery grows too much and makes it too tricky to add.

Plant summer bloomers

Get summer-flowering bulbs such as gladioli, lilies, and dahlia tubers in the ground for a vibrant summer display.

Plant bare-root roses in early March in a sunny spot with plenty of space to ensure the plant has room to grow and doesn’t have to compete for light and water.

You can also make a head start planting summer veg like tomatoes, beans, and peppers. Keep them indoors until they are ready transplant into your prepared borders during the warmer months.

For plants you've overwintered indoors, start acclimatising them to outdoor conditions on milder days.

Remove weeds

As spring gets into swing, those pesky weeds will grow quick! Stay on top of them and remove them as they begin to appear.

Remove weeds by hand if possible to avoid any damage to new young shoots growing in the same areas.

Aerate your lawn

As the weather becomes dryer in March, your lawn will really benefit from aerating.

Aerating is a process where you insert small holes into your lawn. This helps to relieve compaction and improve drainage which helps the grass to grow healthily.

It allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil which is exactly what your grass needs to stay looking lush and green. Make sure you wait until the ground is not frozen or waterlogged or else you will damage the lawn.

Get clean & tidy

The best time to use a pressure washer is when it isn’t too hot or too cold. That's why March is a great time of year to clean dirt and algae from your patios, pathways, decking & garden furniture.

Removing dirt and muck will not only make your garden look cleaner, but it will remove slip hazards from walkways and reduce the need to manage repairs brought on by unmanaged mould growth.

Another gardening job you can do in March is making sure your garden hand tools are well-maintained. As they will start being regularly used over the coming months, you'll want to check they are sharp enough, clean and in good condition.

April

We're well in to spring now and plant life is starting to really develop in the garden this month.

Here's some gardening jobs for April.

Let there be light!

If you're lucky enough to have a greenhouse in your garden, use your time in April to give it a good clean.

Wiping down the windows and doors allows more sunlight to enter the greenhouse to help your plants grow healthier. Make sure to clean both the inside and outside of your greenhouse.

Look after your lawn

You’ll be able to start repairing any bare patches in your grass by sowing seeds in April.

It should easily grow thanks to the start of the warmer weather, which means it'll be time to get the lawnmower out. Take a look at our blog on how to mow your lawn professionally if you need some help with how to do it.

If the idea of growing grass and maintaining it is too much, you may want to lay artificial grass instead. Artificial grass is ideal for smaller gardens & even balconies.

Spring clean patios and pathways

If you didn't get around to it in March, April is also a good time to use a pressure washer to jet wash away the dirt and grime that built up over winter.

You’ll be able to tackle your patio, decking, paths and garden furniture with a pressure washer, or take a look at our blog post on how to clean a patio and paving for alternative ideas on how to get rid of the grime.

Install decking

As the weather gets a bit kinder, you’ll want to take full advantage of any warm days by spending it relaxing outdoors.

A decking area is a great addition to your garden. From BBQ's, parties to simply having quiet, relaxation time, there's so much you can use your decking for and April is the month to get it installed.

We offer a range of decking options, power tools such as cordless drills and drill bits to get you sorted. Not sure what type of decking design you want? Take a look at our blog for some inspiring decking ideas no matter what size your garden.

Take advantage of April showers

Don’t waste any useful raindrops by collecting rainwater in a water butt.

These are a great investment and ideal for storing water to use during dry spells.

Available in many different shapes and sizes to suit various outdoor spaces you’ll be able to use a water butt year after year to keep your plants watered.

You can also use the water for your houseplants. As the weather starts to warm up, you can top them up when needed. You could even treat them to a day outdoors while its raining to give them a low maintenance shower to clean the dust off and give them a good drink.

Credit: Photo by Annie Spratt on unsplash.com

May

With the weather warming up, it'll be time to get on with our next batch of gardening jobs!

Check out what you can do in May to keep your outdoor area thriving through the month of May.

Continuing sowing seeds

May will be the time to start sowing certain seeds so grow in time for the late summer or early winter time. You can plant seeds such as -

• Primrose flowers
• Sunflowers
• Beetroot
• Carrots
• Radish
• Sweetcorn
• Turnips

If you need some tools to help you get the ground ready for seed sowing, we have plenty of digging and cultivating tools that are available to buy.

Keep on top of weeds

Unfortunately, weeds will still be popping up in our lawn, patio, driveways & other areas of our gardens throughout the year.

As we mentioned in our gardening jobs in April section, you can keep on top of your weeds by either using weedkiller or garden hand tools like weed pullers to help extract them from the ground so they can't grow back.

Restore garden furniture

This is a very important May gardening job! Why? With the sun on its way, you'll need to get your garden furniture ready for all your outdoor events (because we know you'll be having plenty of them if the sun keeps his hat on!).

Give your tables and chairs a good wipe down and pop any cushions & covers in the wash so they can be clean and fresh.

Restore your wooden furniture by applying some timber treatment. Throughout autumn and winter, the wet weather can damage wood. Using treatments & preservers can help restore your wooden furniture and prevent rot & decay.

You can also apply a stain to your wooden furniture as well to add some colour.

Clean bird feeders

During the year, you'll have little visitors in your garden who are going to be hungry & thirsty.

Cleaning your bird feeders every so often means you minimise the risk of spreading infection & disease and provide the birds access to clean food and water.

Using a long stiff brush, wash your empty bird feeder in warm, soapy water or with a non-toxic disinfectant. Rinse well and allow the bird feeder to dry before assembling and refilling.

Air out your greenhouses

As the seasons change and the temperature rises, your greenhouses will need some fresh air.

Cracking open the door and letting your greenhouse get some ventilation means you can regulate the temperature to protect your plants. You'll even provide your flora with fresh air to photosynthesize.

If left in a humid room, your plants are at a huge risk of wilting & dying. We wouldn't want to be in a stuffy room & neither do your plants.

Get watering

May is the perfect time to start watering your crops and lawn. Tomatoes, cucumber, courgettes & other fruit & veg will be getting thirsty due to the weather heating up. Give them a good drink of water to help them continue to flourish.

The same goes for your lawn. As the sun starts to shine, you'll want to make sure your lawn grows healthily.

At HSS, we have a range of watering products that'll help you water your plants both indoors and outdoors. From hoses, sprayers and watering cans, there's something to suit your needs.

Apply lawn feed

Another way to help your lawn's health is by applying lawn feed.

With added nutrients that soak into the soil, lawn feed contributes to your grass growing greener, stronger & most importantly, healthier.

Additional gardening jobs in May

There's so many gardening jobs you can do in May. Depending on what you have in your outdoor space, your list of jobs can vary.

As well as the above, you could clean out your ponds, sort out lawn edging and even scrub down your water features (if you've got any!)

June

June is a busy month when it comes to your garden. Summer is here and the weather is heating up.

Here are our top gardening tips for June to keep your garden flourishing.

Recut lawn edges

Whilst you're watering and feeding your lawn, why not get on top of the lawn edging too?

Re-cutting or installing lawn edges not only makes your garden aesthetically pleasing but it can stop weeds from spreading as the edging acts as a barrier.

Our lawn edger tool is perfect for the job and can be bought online.

Trim your hedges

The growth of our garden hedges will accelerate during the warmer months due to the sun.

Get them looking prim and proper again by giving them a well-deserved trim. Not sure how? Look over our how to trim a hedge blog that's full of simple steps for you to follow.

If you're an expert at trimmer & cutting your garden hedges but just need the tools, you can find all you need at HSS. Check out our hedge trimmers, shears and other garden hand tools online.

Don't forget to check your bushes and hedges for bird nests before you start trimming!!!

Pond maintenance

For those of us who are lucky enough to have a pond in our gardens, June will be the perfect time to clean it.

Algae & blanket weed will form over time so use a net or a rake to remove it from the water.

Doing this gives your fish and plants room to breathe as well as improving the appearance of your pond.

Reorganise your garden sheds or garages

We can sometimes neglect our garden sheds and garages by not putting tools back where they belong or leaving things hanging around.

Take advantage of the warmer weather to de-clutter and reorganise the belongings in your garden storage.

Don't forget your indoor plants

Just because they're inside doesn't mean we should forget them.

Due to the warmer temperatures and the increased sunlight, your indoor plants can get extra thirsty.

Water your indoor plants regularly in June and the rest of summer but be sure to check their soil to make sure you don't overwater them.

Finally...enjoy!

We all know how temperamental the British weather can be, so before the sun decides to go back in to hiding, relax in your garden to enjoy the fruits of your labour. You've earned it!

July

We're more than halfway through the year. As July starts, there'll be new gardening jobs to do as well as repeating some from previous months.

Check out some gardening jobs you can do in sunny July.

Keep a look out for pests

From aphids to slugs to leatherjacket bugs, there'll be plenty of pests in your garden that will cause some sort of chaos to your greenery.

Depending on what type of pesky pest you find, there's different types of repellents you can use so make sure you do your research and buy the right one.

Deadhead your flowers

Keeping your flowers neat and tidy is only one of the benefits of deadheading our flowers.

By pruning off the brown flower heads, you also encourage new growth later in the season & into the next. Using secateurs, pruning shears, scissors or even a knife, cut the dead flower away just above the new bud or leaf on the stem.

Get on top of borders

We've said it before, we'll say it again - weeds will grow every where, all year round!

In July, grab your garden hoe & get weeding your borders. By doing this often, you make it harder for weeds to settle so your garden can stay tidy & weed free for longer.

You can also use weedkiller too if you'd prefer.

Take care of your terracotta pots

When the sun has got it's hat on and temperatures rise, our plants and flowers can dry out.

In July, try placing a plastic or clay saucer at the bottom of the terracotta pot. By doing this, your pots can retain moisture and keep the roots of your plants from dehydrating.

Make your own compost

Why not make the use of your kitchen & garden waste waste and make your own compost!

Save everything from eggshells, fruit & veggie peel, teabags & even toilet roll tubes and leave them to break down.

Later on you can use what has broken down for sprinkling over your lawn, plant pots, & borders to help your flora flourish.

At HSS, we have a compost maker that'll help speed up the breakdown of your waste.

Think ahead

July would be a good time to think about what you want to plant in your garden the following year.

It might seem too early but you'll need to plant some things in autumn for them to be ready in spring/summer so get thinking and order your bulbs.

Don't forget your fruit

For anyone growing their own fruit, now will be a good time to take extra care of them.

No matter if you're growing apples, pears or plums, use the month of July to thin out any heavy crops & take out any damaged or underdeveloped fruits.

You can use snips, a sharp knife or secateurs for this job and you can find them all at HSS.

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August

The final month of summer is here & while we still have time to enjoy the lovely weather, why not get on top of your garden jobs.

Check our list of some of the gardening jobs you can do in the month of August.

Lawn care

If your lawn needs a bit of a trim, add it to your august gardening job list & give it a fresh cut to make it look tidy again.

When you do, raise the blades on your lawn mower so that you don't cut the grass too low.

Letting your lawn grow slightly taller helps it to retain moisture which is perfect for the warmer months.

If you do find your lawn is turning brown from the hot weather, don't worry! When the rain starts to fall again, it'll go back to be being green again.

Top up your pond & bird bath water levels

If you have fish and other wildlife in your pond, you might need to top up the water levels in August.

Using rainwater from your garden water butt is the ideal choice as tap water encourages algae to grow.

Don't forget your bird baths too! Our little feathery friends will be thirsty in this heat too. Add fresh water to their bird baths and give it a clean if needed.

Prep for your plants

Going away this summer? Don't forget to plan ahead.

Move any plants out of the sunshine and into the shade to prevent them from drying out.

If you're away for a while, it might be worth investing in a watering device to keep your plants watered. You can even ask a family member or a friend water your plants so they can continue to thrive & grow whilst you're on holiday.

Net your fruit

Keep your fruit protected from birds, insects and more in your garden.

Use a net & bird repellent tape to cover your fruit plants and trees to deter any animals from eating them.

Tend to your greenhouse

In August, whilst you're airing out the greenhouse, why not give the floor a good sweep.

By keeping leaves and other debris off the floor, you will prevent the spread of fungal diseases and pests.

Another job for your greenhouse is shading. Although the sunshine is great for helping your flowers and plants grow, too much can damage them too.

Put up blinds or using a shade paint to help block out the sun and stop your greenhouse from overheating on those scorching summer days.

Other August gardening jobs

We know that not all gardening jobs can be done each month - we're all busy! But if you find you've not done some jobs from previous summer months, do them in August. It's never too late.

Whether it's cleaning your patio, sorting out borders or trimming hedges, you can add them to your august gardening job checklist.

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September

With summer bowing out and autumn taking over, your gardening jobs are ready to change again to adapt to the upcoming cooler weather.

Keep your plants and outdoor area looking it's best with our September gardening jobs.

Rake leaves

Our first September gardening job can be done throughout autumn.

With this new season, comes falling leaves from the trees.

Cleaning them up couldn't be easier. Whether you want to use a rake or a leaf blower, you'll be able to collect the leaves in no time at all.

If you don't clear away leaves from your lawn, you risk it getting less light exposure. When that happens it means the grass will soon turn yellow and no one wants a yellow lawn.

Plant bulbs

Stay on top of your gardening game and plan ahead for future seasons.

September is the perfect time to plant flowers such as daffodils, tulips & bluebells so that they can bloom in time for winter & spring.

We have plenty of gardening tools for both professionals or gardening enthusiasts to sow seeds in your plant pots and garden borders.

Take down the shades

Over the summer, you might have put up some protection in your greenhouse to keep your plants and flowers from getting damaged by the heat.

As the temperatures start to get cooler in September, you can start to take down any shades & remove any shading paints on the windows & doors.

Doing this means your flora can get as much sunlight as they can in the darker months.

Protect your pond

If you're lucky enough to have a pond in your back garden, you'll want to protect it all year round. This next September gardening job will do just that.

Adding a net to the top of your pond, stops leaves and other debris from falling in to the water.

Not only will the net help keep the water clean but you'll also keep animals and wildlife in your pond safe too.

Feed your house plants

Keep your house plants fed and healthy during autumn.

During September, give your indoor plants a weekly dose of liquid fertiliser so they continue getting the nutrients they need.

The liquid fertiliser also encourages strong root growth to get through the colder months & support new growth.

Protect your outdoor plants

As the weather gets colder, frost will damage your plants roots. Applying mulch to your outdoor plants keeps the soil warm and protects the roots from frost damage.

Mulch is a powerhouse when it comes to looking after our outdoor plants. As well as protecting from frost, it also -

• add nutrients to the soil
• helps retain moisture in the soil
• prevents weed seeds and can reduce the amount of weeds in spring

Definitely add this to your September gardening job checklist so you're outdoor plants can make it through the autumn and winter months.

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October

October can be a really beautiful month in the garden. Beautiful colours can be seen from fallen leaves, to a crisp frost starting to form.

These October gardening jobs can help you prepare your outdoor spaces for the upcoming months.

Get scarifying

As winter approaches, there will be more wet and cold days which will make it difficult to look after your garden. October is a good time to take the opportunity to do some last minute lawncare.

Autumn is the perfect time to scarify your lawn. Removing the excess material that has gathered on the lawn allows it to breathe and grow better.

This October gardening job allows your lawn will be able to deal with the harsh weather that's approaching.

If you don't own one, you can hire a lawn scarifier at HSS today. Our blog How to Scarify a Lawn has some helpful tips & advice if you're unsure how to do it.

Trim the hedges

No one likes the look of a messy hedge and during the summer months, your hedge would have grown fast.

With the winter months on their way, it might be difficult to tend to hedges & bushes in wetter conditions. Before the cold snap arrives, give your hedges a tidy & remove any dead branches so that they can continue to grown healthily.

You'll find a variety of hedge trimmers available to buy or hire at HSS as well as hedge shears.

Vegetable gardening

If you have a vegetable garden, there are a few things you can do in October to keep them growing during autumn and winter.

Certain vegetables like beans & peas will need harvesting and preparing for next year. You can also start sorting your garden for next year by digging trenches to fill with manure or kitchen waste.

Protect any root veggies that are still growing by covering with mulch so that they're protected from frost.

October is also a great time to add any extra nutrients to your soil and removing any debris so that your fruit and veggies can thrive during the colder months.

We have a wide choice of garden hand tools that can help you sort your vegetable garden.

Sort hanging baskets

Got hanging baskets? We have the perfect October gardening job for you.

If you find the plants inside them are starting to wilt and die, take them out and add them to your compost heap.

Doing this not only helps with recycling, but you'll be adding much needed nutrients to your compost.

Shed maintenance

Over time, our sheds will need checking over and maintaining. Adding this task to your October gardening job checklist means you'll be able to keep your shed in perfect condition.

Start by inspecting your shed. Identify what needs fixing (if anything), that way you can tackle it early.

Check the condition of the -

• Wood
• Shed's base
• Roof
• Doors & windows
• Shed's exterior

If you spot a problem, get fixing!

Use wood preservers and timber treatment to protect the wood from the weathering, rot, mould and wood-boring insects.

Make sure the shed base is level and is clear from any obstructions or anything that's growing that may encourage moisture build up.

Check your locks & hinges. If they're broken or not working properly, replace them.

Refill any holes you find with wood filler.

Ensure your shed has proper ventilation so it doesn't get damp or mould.

Once all the maintenance jobs are done and dusted, organise the contents of the shed. Throw out what you don't need or use. Give the shed a good sweep and clean & make everything look tidy.

November

The year is coming to an end & our garden jobs need to adapt and change again.

From planting, cleaning to creating a bonfire heap, here's some gardening jobs you can do in November.

Protect plant containers

Autumn and winter brings more rainy days and you'll want your flowers and plants to be as protected as can be.

Bricks or 'pot feet' can be used to prop up your plant containers to prevent them for getting waterlogged, allowing any excess water to drain out and save your plants.

Wash up

If you have a greenhouse, use this time to wash any empty pots or trays for when you want to use them again.

Don't have a greenhouse? No problem. You can store your pots & trays in your garden sheds or garages instead.

We have a supply of sponges, cloths and other cleaning products, online or in branch, should you need them.

Get everything inside

With the weather about to make a turn, you might want to move any garden furnishings you have indoors.

Move your tables, chairs, sofas, blankets, BBQ's and anything else you have in your garden that can be damaged by the rain or snow in to your sheds or garages.

Start planning

Before the new year begins, why not start thinking about what you want to plant in the upcoming spring.

Grab yourself a seed catalogue, flick though and order anything from Swiss chard, dill, kale, oregano, sage time and more. You can never be too prepared!

Make a bonfire heap

If you're doing your final hedge cutting and pruning before the weather turns wet, don't throw any any of the cuttings.

Use any twigs & branches you've cut for a firework display in your garden to keep the fire going.

Check out our blog on bonfire night safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this November 5th.

Credit: Matheus Bertelli https://www.pexels.com

December

The end of the year is here & winter has arrived. When the weather is dry enough, get yourself out in the garden.

From removing dead fruit off trees to shovelling snow, there's plenty of gardening jobs you can be getting on with in December.

Pruning

For some plants, December is the best time for pruning to help promote healthy growth.

Roses, Japanese maple trees, wisteria and fruit bushes like blackberries & gooseberries all benefit from a winter tidy up.

Need pruning shears? We got you. Check out what we have to offer online today.

Remove rotting fruit

Give your fruit trees and plants a check over and remove any fruit that may be rotting.

To risk any disease causing any damage, it's best to get rid of any dead & infested branches too.

Protect your taps

With the temperature set to drop, you'll need to switch off the outside tap water valve and insulate the tap.

If you don't, you risk your taps and pipes freezing which could cause leaks or burst pipes.

Tap covers are easy to apply and can provide insulation & protection during the colder months.

Get digging

Before the frost comes, give your soil a last dig or fork over to break it up.

Doing this allows air and water to get through the soil to keep roots developing so your plants & flowers stay healthy in the colder weather.

In need of some digging tools? We have a wide range online and instore that are available for you to buy.

Keep off the grass

As the rain & frost arrives, they can easily damage our lawns.

If it's practical to do so, try to stay off the grass as much as possible.

It may not seem like an important gardening job but you cause more harm walking over a lawn covered in frost or waterlogged as it can die and turn brown.

Tackle the snow

We all know, winter comes with snow!

Although it's lovely to look at, after a while snow that's not shovelled away can freeze over and some areas can also turn to ice.

To tackle fresh snow, use our snow shovel to clear different areas of your front and back garden.

Next spread rock salt on surfaces to stop ice from forming to prevent any slips and falls on driveways, paths & steps.

You can also use the shovel to for breaking and scraping ice if needed.

And there we have it!

Our 12 month gardening calendar full of helpful jobs & tips to keep our gardens thriving throughout the year.

Whether you're new years resolution is to make the most of your garden or you're already green fingered but needed some inspo, we hope we have been able to help.

HSS DIY has a wide selection of garden hand tools as well as other garden and landscaping equipment you'll need to look after your outdoor area. No matter the job, we have everything you need.

Happy gardening!