'White Magic' grape hyacinths (Muscari aucheri 'White Magic', Zones 4-8) are early spring bloomers. Photo: Mary Ann Newcomer
This month can be snowy in the mountains, but spring is not far off. Here are a few things that you can do to get ready for the gardening season ahead.
Plant peas, pansies (Viola x wittrockiana, annual), violets (Viola spp. and cvs., Zones 3-9), and snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus, Zones 7-10) now. As seedlings outgrow their original trays, move them into larger pots.
Fastidiously monitor houseplants for insect infestations. If necessary, apply insecticidal soap according to the label directions.
Cut back your ornamental grasses as weather permits.
Get your garden pruners and lawnmower blades sharpened so they will be ready for spring chores.
Pansies are a sure sign that spring is coming. Photo: Michelle Gervais
Mary Ann Newcomer is the author of two books: Rocky Mountain Gardener’s Handbook and Vegetable Gardening in the Mountain States.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Spearhead Shade Gardening Shovel with Steel-Reinforced Fiberglass Handle
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Reduce Digging Effort - The Spear Head Spade is the first hybrid shovel/spade, guaranteed to make your toughest digging up to 80% easier than regular shovels and spades, even in the toughest soil conditions. Ideal for landscaping and gardening.
Multi-Purpose Shovel - Spear Head Spade is a versatile tool that can be used for digging, planting, weeding, cutting, and edging. It is designed to handle tough soil and clay conditions, and can cut through roots and tough vegetation with ease.
Innovative Design - Has a unique blade design that makes it more efficient and easier to use than traditional spades. The blade is shaped like a spearhead, with a pointed tip and a curved edge that allows it to penetrate the soil more easily.
Ergonomic D-Handle - The large, cushioned D-grip offers comfort and better leverage for gloved and ungloved hands alike, reducing strain on the hands and wrists. Lightweight & Strong - Durable handle is made of special steel-reinforced, pultruded fiberglass to withstand heavy use. 60% stronger than EN-3388 shovel/spade standards, 33% thicker and 25% harder than normal shovels. Sharpened from tip to tail at a 35 degree angle for an effective and durable edge.
Gardena 3103 Combisystem 12-Inch To 20-Inch Adjustable Metal Fan Rake Head
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With adjustable tine spacing: suitable for raking coarse and fine material. Flexible, zinc-plated spring-steel prongs. Working width adjustable from 12-20 inches. Sold as head only, handle sold separately.
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Choose the right tool head for the job and switch out quickly with a simple push-button release. Includes the Connecta receiver, Connecta Collinear 4 head, Connecta Collinear 7 head, Connecta Contour Wire 4 head, Connecta Contour Wire 6 head, a sustainably harvested oiled ashwood handle, and a stainless-steel carrying clip.
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