Make on-line and mail-order purchases early. Supplies of the most popular items tend to start running out in March or so, especially this year when vegetable gardening again promises to be hot.

 Look at your houseplants. If they're struggling, it's probably time to pitch them. (A great excuse to buy a new one.) Otherwise, give them a good rinse, trim off brown or problem parts, and top off the soil with fresh potting soil.

 Don't fertilize houseplants this month. With less daylight and therefore growth, they need less food.

 Boost humidity around houseplants. They really need it this time of year. Misting has been shown to be ineffective, but a tray filled with pebbles and a quarter inch or so of water is. Also, turn up your humidifier.

 Check on any forced bulbs in your fridge. Water to keep soil lightly moist, as needed. When shoots are 1/2 inch high, put them in the sunniest spot you have. Supplement with a grow light, if possible.

 Check on any bulbs or corms. If you dug glads, tuberous begonias, and other tender bulbs up last fall, uncover and examine them. They should be firm and healthy looking. If they're shriveled or mildewed, pitch them.

 Start seeds of slower-growing plants, such as parsley, onions, and some perennials. Don't start other seeds too early (check the packet). The vast majority of seeds should be started 6 to 8 weeks before your region's last average frost date: May 10 in southern Iowa, May 15 in northern Iowa. That means starting most seeds in roughly mid-March.

 Know your USDA Zone so you can choose the right plants. Northern Iowa is roughly Zone 4, southern Iowa is roughly Zone 5. Click here for a detailed map.