1. Planting tips: Start an early container with those cooler season flowers, pansies or primroses, and give your patio or front steps a colorful lift.

2. Add organic matter whenever you can.  Mix in soil amendments as you plant vegetables or annual flowers.

3. Prune your trees and shrubs:  Prune winter damage from shrubs and trees before they begin to leaf out.

4. Feed your lawn: As spring warms the soil, the lawn wakes up, too.  Now's the time to start your natural lawn food program. .

5.  Feed trees and shrubs to help them put out strong, new growth.

6. Plant summer flowering bulbs, gladiolas, calla lilies, dahlias, cannas and more