Dutch garden calendar: what to do in your garden each season
By Hovenier Hoofddorp · Updated July 19, 2026
The Dutch garden year revolves around three key moments: a big spring clean-up in March, regular maintenance every 4 to 6 weeks from April to September, and a winter-ready service in November. Get those three right and the garden largely takes care of itself in between — even through the famously wet Dutch winters.
Winter (December – February): prune and plan
- December: clear the last leaves, protect frost-sensitive pots, service tools.
- January: plan renovations and request quotes — spring schedules fill up fast in the Netherlands.
- February: prune trees, fruit trees (apple, pear) and summer-flowering shrubs before the new leaves appear. Roses get cut back at the end of the month.
Spring (March – May): the big clean-up
- March: the most important month — cut back perennials and grasses, first lawn mow, fertilise, clean borders.
- April: scarify and feed the lawn, plant summer bulbs, first light hedge trim. Great month for new planting.
- May: after the "IJsheiligen" (mid-May, the traditional last frost date), put out tender plants. First full hedge trim at the end of the month.
Mind the breeding season: from 15 March to 15 July, disturbing nesting birds is prohibited by law. Check hedges for nests before trimming.
Summer (June – August): maintain and water
- June: weekly mowing, deadhead flowers for a second bloom, feed the lawn.
- July: water deeply twice a week in dry spells (early morning) rather than a little every day. Prune cherry and plum trees after harvest.
- August: second hedge trim, tame the climbers, skim the pond.
Autumn (September – November): plant and protect
- September: best month to repair or sow a lawn; autumn lawn feed.
- October: plant spring bulbs, and — best-kept Dutch secret — plant new trees, hedges and shrubs now: the warm soil lets roots establish all winter.
- November: the big winter-ready service: leaves, final mow, compost on the borders, wrap sensitive plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does a garden need maintenance in the Netherlands?
Every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season (March to October), plus a big spring clean-up in March and a winter-ready service in November. Dutch gardens grow vigorously on the fertile soil here — skipping a season means a costly catch-up job.
When can I trim my hedge?
The standard trims are late May/June and late August/September. Trimming during the breeding season (15 March – 15 July) is allowed only if there are no active nests — always check first, as disturbing nesting birds is illegal in the Netherlands.
When should I plant new trees or shrubs?
October and November are ideal in the Dutch climate: the soil is still warm and winter rain establishes the roots, giving plants a head start over spring planting. Container plants can technically go in year-round, except during frost or drought.
Does grass grow in winter here?
Barely — mowing season runs roughly March to November. Give the lawn a final slightly-higher mow in November, keep leaves off it through winter, and resume mowing when growth restarts in March at soil temperatures above 10°C.
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