Even in areas where it is still cold, there are a number of things you can do right now to get a jumpstart on spring gardening. The number one priority: clean up leaf and other accumulated debris since you last raked the leaves or mowed the grass. Removing debris helps your landscaped areas warm up quicker so when it is time to plant, your job a little easier. This is also an ideal time to take inventory and make mental notes (or write them down so you do not forget) of what needs to be done in the near future as far as pruning, weeding, mulching, and planting. In most areas of the country, it is one of the best times to sow grass seed, even when the ground is frozen. The natural freezing and thawing helps the seed adhere to the soil, increasing the germination rate and getting the new grass off to a fast start.

If your ground is still frozen or very cold, now is not a good time to try and amend or turn the soil. Let nature take its course and wait until the ground warms up before disturbing the soil. There are lots of other things you can do to get ready to garden - sharpen your tools, service your lawnmower and other power equipment, and do the “what, when and where” you will plant this spring!

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