Gardening Through the Seasons: A Year-Round Practical Guide

Course outline

A clear route from first principles to practical confidence

1. 01

   Module 1: Understanding Your Garden's Year

   • The rhythm of the seasons: what happens in your garden each month
   • Mapping your garden: sun, shade, soil, and microclimates
   • Choosing the right plants for your local climate
   • Essential tools and equipment for year-round gardening
   • Creating a simple seasonal gardening calendar
2. 02

   Module 2: Spring – Preparing the Ground

   • Soil testing and improving fertility naturally
   • Digging, forking, and no-dig methods for beds
   • Sowing seeds indoors and in the greenhouse
   • Hardening off and transplanting seedlings
   • Early spring planting: hardy vegetables and flowers
3. 03

   Module 3: Spring – Planting and Early Care

   • Direct sowing outdoors: timing and techniques
   • Planting potatoes, onions, and other staples
   • Supporting climbing plants with canes and netting
   • Protecting young plants from slugs, birds, and frost
   • Watering wisely in spring
4. 04

   Module 4: Summer – Maintaining Growth

   • Mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds
   • Feeding plants: liquid feeds, compost teas, and fertilisers
   • Weed control strategies for beds and borders
   • Pruning and deadheading for continuous blooms
   • Managing pests and diseases without chemicals
5. 05

   Module 5: Summer – Harvesting and Succession

   • Knowing when to harvest vegetables and herbs
   • Succession planting for a steady supply
   • Storing and preserving your harvest
   • Cutting flowers for the house
   • Saving seeds from open-pollinated plants
6. 06

   Module 6: Autumn – Transition and Tidying

   • Clearing summer crops and composting plant waste
   • Sowing green manures and overwintering crops
   • Planting spring-flowering bulbs
   • Dividing and replanting perennials
   • Autumn pruning of shrubs and trees
7. 07

   Module 7: Autumn – Preparing for Winter

   • Lifting and storing tender bulbs and tubers
   • Insulating pots and wrapping vulnerable plants
   • Cleaning and storing garden tools
   • Winter-proofing greenhouses and cold frames
   • Making leaf mould and compost heaps
8. 08

   Module 8: Winter – Rest and Planning

   • Reviewing the past season: what worked and what didn't
   • Sketching next year's planting plan
   • Ordering seeds and supplies
   • Sharpening and repairing tools
   • Building and repairing raised beds and supports
9. 09

   Module 9: Winter – Indoor and Protected Growing

   • Forcing bulbs for winter colour
   • Growing microgreens and sprouts on a windowsill
   • Overwintering herbs in pots
   • Using a cold frame for hardy salads
   • Starting early seeds under lights
10. 10

    Module 10: Year-Round – Soil Health and Composting

    • Building and managing a compost heap
    • Worm composting for small spaces
    • Using green manures and cover crops
    • Testing and adjusting soil pH
    • No-dig gardening for long-term soil health
11. 11

    Module 11: Year-Round – Wildlife and Biodiversity

    • Creating habitats for pollinators and predators
    • Building a simple pond or bug hotel
    • Feeding birds through the seasons
    • Choosing plants for year-round wildlife value
    • Managing pests by attracting natural enemies
12. 12

    Module 12: Putting It All Together – Your Seasonal Plan

    • Assessing your garden's strengths and challenges
    • Setting realistic goals for each season
    • Creating a monthly task checklist
    • Adapting plans for changing weather
    • Sharing and learning from other gardeners