Make your beds. Rid planting areas of any weeds and spread a 4-inch layer of compost or manure over soil. Using a pitchfork, mix soil and compost vigorously going about 10 inches deep until you’ve got moist crumbly soil!

Primp and prune by removing dead or damaged branches only from woody shrubs or trees before new leaf growth begins. Prune flowering shrubs and trees after the first spring bloom!

Welcome back birds. Disinfect feeders and birdbaths by scrubbing with a homemade solution of nine parts water to one part bleach. Rinse thoroughly and make sure they are bone DRY before filling them. Remember to clean feeders once every two weeks!

Take some tests – different planting areas may have different needs! Check the ph balance of soil in each spot with a home soil test kit. Then as new growth appears you can treat each one with the fertilizer and amendments required!

Play it cool. Bare-root trees, shrubs and perennials can be planted in the early spring, but do it on a cool, cloudy day! Warmer weather can add stress to the roots by causing them to over-heat!