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Spring Gardening Checklist 2016

A quick and easy list of things to start doing in February, March and April to get ready for the gardening season. (Depending on where you live in the United States)

Even if you don't start your vegetable plants indoors to get a jump on the growing season, you will need to get a start on spring gardening chores. Catch the first warm day in late February or March and jumpstart the growing season.

To Do List for Gardeners:

Clean up any dead foliage and debris you did not take care of in the fall. Rakes aren't only for Autumn.
Apply compost or a good all purpose organic plant food to your established garden beds. Add a two to three inch layer of organic mulch to keep weeds in check and to regulate soil moisture.
Add compost and aged manure to vegetable beds and rototil your soil. (Do not do this checklist item until your soil is not soggy. Heavy clay soil that is worked when it is too wet compacts into unworkable clods.)
Once your bulbs come up, make a list or map of any bare or boring areas. In the fall, you can refer to your notes and order the bulbs that you need. For now, place potted plants or ornaments in the bare areas for instant hi-style decor!
Check your plants for insect infestations and diseases. Prune out damaged stems. Keep a close eye on your roses to avoid black spot and treat them quickly at the first signs of disease.
Divide perennials before they break dormancy fully. Reduce stress by getting them back in the ground as fast as possible.
Prune your spring blooming bushes immediately after they bloom. Do not prune after mid-July or you will prune off next season's blooms.
Plant thyme, rosemary, and oregano now so they can get a good start. Wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before planting dill, fennel, and basil.
Plant potatoes, onions, peas, and lettuce as soon as the ground can be worked.
Plant tomatoes and other cold sensitive vegetables after your area's last hard frost.
Make sure that you provide a consistent source of food and water now for wild birds, so they continue to visit you as spring approaches.

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