Mulch, mulch, mulch. Adding mulch now not only suppresses weeds, but it keeps the soil moist and cool, preventing any early risers from growing too quickly in case a late frost appears. Also, be sure to apply mulch to bare areas under trees where troublesome cool-season annual weeds such as field pennycress can quickly germinate and get established.

Finish up seeding! We are entering the last several weeks to get those quick-growing annuals started, such as these:

• Ornamental kale and cabbage (Brassica oleracea cvs.)
• Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis and cvs.)
• Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus and cvs.)
• Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
• Polka-dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
• Morning glory (Ipomoea spp. and cvs.)
• Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
• Moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora)
• Castor bean (Ricinus communis)
• Marigold (Tagetes spp. and cvs.)
• Nasturtium (Tropaeolum ssp. and cvs.)
• Zinnia (Zinnia elegans and cvs.)

Sharpen your hand tools. Get your tools ready for another busy season with a little TLC now. Sharpen your shears, pruners, and loppers by firmly holding them and using a file or whetstone appropriate to the blade size in the same direction as the blade’s bevel. It should only take a few passes to hone the edge and have it behaving like a hot knife through butter. If all else fails, many companies carry replacement blades that can easily be swapped in.

Monitor garden drainage patterns. As snow melts and spring rains fall, take note of where the water is running and/or ponding through your landscape so that any potential problem areas can be addressed. Solutions to troublesome areas may include amending the soil, moving plants that enjoy extra moisture to the wet areas, moving those that dislike extra moisture from the wet areas, or even large changes to your overall topography or design scheme.

Clean up water features. If you happen to have a water feature in your garden, take advantage of a nicer afternoon by giving it a good spring cleaning. Empty out any standing water, and remove any debris and sludge gathered at the bottom. If your water feature features rocks or stones, scrub them down with a brush and bucket of water with a few drops of dishwasher detergent. For stubborn stains, use a ratio of 1:4 bleach or vinegar and water. When finished, thoroughly rinse everything down, and hold off on setting up the fountain until all threats of freezing have passed.

—Chris Schlenker is the head gardener of McCrory Gardens at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Dewit 3-Piece Tool Gift Set with 3-Tine Cultivator, Forged Trowel and Forged Hand Fork

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Dimensions: 13.75" L x 2.75" W x 10.5" H; 2.1 lbs. 3-piece gift set includes the DeWit 3-Tine Cultivator, Forged Trowel and Forged Hand Fork. Ideal for the avid gardener in your life or for yourself! Perfect for planting, digging, aerating, cultivating, and weeding.

Buy at Amazon

Greenworks 40V 14" Chainsaw, 2.5Ah USB Battery and Charger Included

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

14'' CHAIN AND BAR : great performance for tree cutting and get up to 75 cuts on 4x4 lumber on a single charge. TRUBRUSHLESS MOTOR TECHNOLOGY: 2 x more torque. Provides more power, longer runtimes, quiet operation, and extended motor life. AUTOMATIC OILER: delivers proper chain lubrication and increased productivity. EASY ADJUST TENSIONING: for easy bar and chain maintenance. EASY TO USE : push button start, no gas or fumes, no carburetor, no spark plug, and no starter rope WHAT IS INCLUDED: 40V 14-Inch chainsaw, scabbard, 2.5 Ah batteries, fast charger, operator's manual.

Buy at Amazon

Gardzen 3-Pack 72 Gallons Garden Bag

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

High Quality Fabric - Gardzen Garden Waste Bags are made from 4.4oz/yd2 (150g/㎡) durable polypropylene fabric that can withstand heavy loads and rough handling. Please note that they should not be left out in the sun for long periods. Environmentally Friendly - These reusable yard waste bags are an environmentally friendly choice as they can be used over and over again, unlike disposable bags. The strong handles make it easy to carry the bags, even when they are full. These garden bags for debris allow you to complete your gardening tasks efficiently and effectively, while minimising waste and promoting sustainability. Large Capacity - With a height of 30 inches and a diameter of 26 inches, there is plenty of room for a large amount of garden waste. Whether it's leaves, branches or grass clippings, these yard waste containers can handle it all. A Must-Have For Gardeners - these leaf bags are an essential tool for managing garden waste and can make your gardening tasks much more efficient. The large capacity and durable construction make them ideal for storing and transporting various items. The yard bags can also be folded and stored compactly when not needed, saving valuable space. Package Included - A great value set of 3pcs heavy duty lawn and leaf bags. 3pcs white plastic hoops. There are 2pcs double stitched webbing handles in the top and 1pc strong webbing corner handles in the bottom.

Buy at Amazon