Spring Gardening Checklist

Species tulips and crocus are among the earliest flowering bulbs.

• Check for signs of growth. Did you remember to plant snow crocus last fall? If not, cut forsythia or magnolia branches to bring inside for forcing to get a dose of early spring color.
• Prep the beds. Remove winter mulch or, if well composted, work into the top layer of the soil. Work in some leaf mold or well-rotted manure, too.
• Prune. Now is the time to trim fruit trees if you didn't prune in winter. Prune before buds begin to break into bloom or you'll stress the tree and get a tiny crop (or possibly none).
• Perform basic maintenance. Check stonework for frost heaves. Check and clean the deck now so you don't have to do it later; make any repairs.
• Start seeds indoors. You've spent the winter reading seed and plant catalogs, so try some.

Related article: Starting Seeds Indoors

• Plant veggies. Hardy vegetables, such as onions, potatoes, artichokes, and some lettuces, should be planted now.
• Divide perennials. Before plants have begun spring growth is a good time to divide many perennials. Share some divisions with your friends this year.

Related article: Dividing Perennials