January	Historically the wettest month of the year. If you have a"hidden" spot in your backyard, consider establishing a compost bin.
February	Perfect time for planting dogwoods. Good time to fertilize your trees with fertilizer spikes (around drip line). Consider using dormant spray on trees and shrubs. Prune your crape myrtles...if you must.
March	It is purple martin time. Be sure your houses are clean. Scouts (older martins) will precede the general migration.
April	Last killing frost this month. Good month to aerate lawn.
May	Plant tomatoes on approximately May 1...or after last killing frost.
June	Mulch...if you haven't done so already.
July	Raise lawn mower blade. Fertilize azaleas with cottonseed meal...and mulch  after blooming.
August	Be especially attentive to water needs of azaleas and other plants.
September	Consider planting fall vegetable garden, lettuce, broccoli, greens, turnips, carrots, onions and others.
October	Normally first killing frost. Historically driest month of year.
November	Best month to plant trees. Keep bird feeders filled...especially in cold weather.
December	Beat the crowd and get lawn equipment repaired.
All Months:	According to the UT Extension Center, the heat/growing zone for Shelby County has been changed from Zone 7 to Zone 8.

click here for a printer friendly version of Monthly Garden Tips