Seasonal landscaping: forecasting cash flow to avoid winter shortfalls

[Robert65]

I run a small, seasonal landscaping business, and despite having a full schedule of clients from spring through fall, I consistently hit a cash crunch every winter. I realize now this is due to poor planning and cash flow mismanagement, as I don't properly set aside funds for the off-season or account for equipment repairs. For other small business owners who have overcome similar cycles, what practical steps did you take to create a reliable cash flow forecast? How do you determine the right amount to set aside from each invoice for taxes, salaries, and a contingency fund, and what tools or accounting methods helped you visualize the annual cycle to avoid these predictable shortfalls?