As the winter snow melts, gardeners start to get a little fidgety.  There's so much to do this gardening season, and most of us just cannot wait to get started.  However, the ground is still frozen and of course a late frost or even snowstorm could undo weeks of work between now and mid-April.  There are still plenty of things one can do to help get the season started:

•1.        Start some seedlings indoors.  Things like tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, artichokes, cabbages and many flowers should be started now.  Make sure to start with sterile germinating mix and clean pots.

•2.       As the snow recedes, winter litter is exposed.  My property seems to be covered in small sticks and branches that blew down from the trees during the winter.  Much of this is loose and can be picked up now.  If you have animals you have other cleanup tasks to tackle.  This is a great way to stretch those muscles you haven't been using and get a head start on getting your property ready for a great gardening season.

•3.       If you haven't done so already, get those seed and plant orders done.  Many plants, trees and seeds are sold first come, first serve. 

•4.       Perhaps in winter you didn't get around to cleaning, sharpening and oiling your tools.  This is a good time to make sure you'll be ready for spring and summer.  If you have broken tools, plan for their replacement.  I like to make a wish list of tools I'd like then watch for them to go on sale.  (Gardeners are naturally thrifty!)

•5.       Don't remove your winter mulch and protective coverings quite yet.  The weather the last few days is just a teaser.  Feel free to get the weeds as they try to come up.  Taking their foliage now will weaken the plant and make it easier to control later.

Spring will come soon.  There may be a few setbacks, but the seasons are one thing we can count on.  My daffodils and crocus are just starting to peek out of the ground.  How is spring coming along where you are?