Monthly To-Do

Cheer yourself up and force some branches from your backyard. Forsythia is perfect to do this time of year.

 Later this month, take advantage of (we hope!) nice days to get out in your yard and pick up trash and sticks, inspect for winter damage, and just generally check out the state of your garden.

  Time to prune most large trees, small trees, evergreens, and shrubs. Hold off on pruning roses until they send out more growth.

 Start seeds indoors now of annuals that say on the package that you should start them 6-8 weeks before the last average frost date. These include marigolds, globe amaranth, sweet alyssum, and flowering tobacco.

 Later this month, once you can easily work the soil outside, plant directly in the ground seeds of fast-germinating cool-season vegetables, such as radishes, spinaches, and lettuces.

 Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and roses, when you can work the soil easily. The Arbor Day Foundation has great tree selection and planting tips.

 Prevent diseases and insects on fruit trees by spraying with horticultural oil, also called dormant oil. Do so when there is little wind and temperatures are in the 40s.

 The bright yellow forsythia will be blooming soon. When it does, that means its time to sprinkle any pre-emergent herbicide (kills weed seeds, such as Preen) on flower beds, if you choose to use it. It's also the time to apply a pre-emergent to your lawns. Or save time with a weed and feed combo!

 Stock up! Work off spring fever by buying pots, potting soil, seeds and seed-starting supplies, tools, soil amendments, fertilizers, etc. And get out there and clean up and organize your garage or shed, wash pots, etc.

 How's your mower? If you didn't get it tuned up last fall and the blade sharpened, do it yourself now or take it in before the spring rush.

 Same for any shears or other sharp cutting or slicing objects, including spades and hoes. If you haven't already, invest a in a sharpening stone. It makes a big difference. Click here to learn how. It's easy after you do it once or twice.