The Ultimate Oxfordshire Garden Calendar: What to Plant and When

Gardens grow best when they follow nature’s rhythm—and nowhere is that truer than in Oxfordshire’s villages. From leafy plots in Minster Lovell to neat courtyards in Charlbury, knowing what to plant and when makes all the difference.

This calendar reflects the practical experience we’ve gained working with gardens across Oxfordshire, distilled into monthly tasks that keep your garden alive, vibrant, and balanced throughout the year.

January – Planning and Pruning

January is a time for planning and light pruning. Prune dormant fruit trees and hedges on dry days, sharpen your tools, and start thinking about sowing schedules. If you’re eager, begin sowing sweet peas indoors.

February – Early Sowing and Soil Care

Sow broad beans, onions, and early carrots indoors or in protected trays. Finish dormant pruning and mulch your beds to suppress early weeds and protect the soil.

For tips on pruning timing and technique, see The Best Time to Prune Hedges in Oxfordshire.

March – Outdoor Sowing Begins

March signals the start of outdoor sowing. Plant peas, carrots, and beetroot directly into prepared soil. Start hardy annuals like calendula and cornflower indoors or under cloches. Pot up dahlias and begin feeding established perennials.

If you’re interested in wildlife-friendly planting, see How to Bring Bees and Butterflies into Your Garden.

April – Planting Out and Feeding

Plant out hardy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and broccoli. Sow courgettes and beans indoors, divide overgrown perennials, feed shrubs, and top up mulch layers.

May – Colour and Growth

Harden off tender plants and vegetables before planting outdoors. Sow sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnia directly. Watch for late frosts and deadhead spring bulbs and flowers to encourage new blooms.

To combine colour with sustainability, see Easy Ways to Garden Sustainably at Home.

June – Maintain and Harvest

Feed and water plants regularly, stake tall varieties, harvest salad crops, and deadhead flowers to prolong the blooming season.

July – Summer Care

Continue watering, thin fruit trees if overloaded, sow autumn crops like kale and chard, and cut back early-flowering perennials.

August – Preparing for Autumn

Sow winter lettuces and spinach, lift and divide flagging perennials, order spring bulbs for next month, and deadhead and shape borders.

September – Bulbs and Shelter

Plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils and crocuses. Cut hedges and tidy garden edges. Sow green manure or cover crops and divide irises and crocosmia.

September is also an ideal time to plan natural shelter for wildlife. See Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Garden for guidance.

October – Final Planting and Protection

Finish planting bulbs, prune climbing roses, wrap pots before frost, and top up mulch and leaf mould.

November – Garden Wind-Down

Clear spent vegetable beds, plant bare-root hedging, rake leaves for compost or collection, and treat wooden garden furniture and tools.

For winter protection tips, see Protecting Your Garden During Harsh British Winters.

December – Rest and Reflect

Review what worked and what didn’t during the year. Prep seed lists for the next season, book pruning or structural work, and take time to enjoy the garden’s quiet moments.

Closing Thoughts

Following a calendar tuned to Oxfordshire’s seasons helps your garden flourish naturally and beautifully. If you’d like expert help planning or maintaining your garden throughout the year,
get in touch. We’re here to support gardens with subtle elegance and seasonal care.