Early Spring

March

Start Seeds Indoors: Sow tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants (6-8 weeks before the last frost). Start cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, and broccoli for transplanting in April.
Prune: Trim dormant fruit trees, roses, and shrubs in before buds swell.
Soil Prep: Test soil pH (aim for 6.0-7.0) and mix in compost as the ground thaws. Avoid working with soggy soil.
Direct Sow: Plant peas, spinach, radishes, and carrots if soil temperatures reach 40°F (use a soil thermometer).
Clean Up: Remove winter debris from garden beds to make room for new growth.

Crocuses: Early purples and yellows popping up.
Daffodils: Earliest varieties (e.g., ‘February Gold’) may start in sheltered spots.
Forsythia: Bright yellow shrubs herald spring.
Hellebores: Shady areas glow with these subtle blooms.

Pest Watch: Keep an eye out for early pests like aphids and slugs as temperatures rise.
Watering: As temperatures warm, make sure your seedlings and newly planted crops are well-watered but not overly saturated.
Mulch: Apply mulch to help retain moisture and protect young plants from fluctuating temperatures.

Transplant Cool-Season Crops: Harden off and transplant lettuce, kale, and broccoli outdoors by mid-to-late April.
Sow More Cool Crops: Direct seed beets, Swiss chard, and onions for continued harvests.
Start Late Indoor Seeds: Last call for starting tomatoes and peppers if you’re behind schedule.
Mulch: Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around emerging plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Tulips: Early and midseason varieties begin to bloom in vibrant colors.
Redbuds: These native trees bloom in stunning shades of pinkish-purple.
Flowering Quince: Coral or red blooms appear on thorny shrubs.
Violets: Delicate wildflowers pop up across the landscape, adding color to your garden.