Lesson 6
The annual rhythm of plant care
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Plants live a year that you can learn. Once you can feel the rhythm, plant care becomes routine — almost meditative.
A year in pots
- Late winter / early spring: sow indoors, divide perennials, refresh compost, set up supports.
- Spring: pot on, harden off, plant out, first liquid feeds.
- Early summer: water daily, weekly feed, pinch and tie in.
- High summer: water twice a day in heatwaves, dead-head, take softwood cuttings.
- Late summer / early autumn: sow brassicas and winter salads, save seeds, last cuttings.
- Autumn: plant spring bulbs, mulch pots for winter, lift tender plants.
- Winter: clean tools, plan, dream — and watch the bulbs come up.
Keep a one-line garden diary. Just the date, the weather, and the one thing you did. Look back next year — your future self will be grateful.