Search for seminars. March is perhaps the most popular time for gardening conferences and seminars hosted by Master Gardener associations, botanical gardens, and university extension services. Check their individual websites to see what classes are coming up in your area.
Don’t rush the cleanup. You may be tempted to get a head start on spring tidying, but don’t be overzealous! Foot traffic on partially thawed soil can cause compaction, and perennials that have not been cut back will benefit from the insulation of their remaining leaves during freeze/thaw cycles.
Do some renewal pruning. As snow melts from the base of multistemmed shrubs such as dogwood (Cornus spp. and cvs., Zones 3–8), willows (Salix spp. and cvs., Zones 2–9), and ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius and cvs., Zones 2–7), finish renewal pruning. Remove a third of the thickest stems at the base to promote healthy new growth.
Give your tools some love. Clean, oil, and sharpen tools so they are ready for action.
Erin Presley is a horticulturist at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Fiskars Garden Tool Caddy with Removable Small Tool Storage for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening Use, Made with Recycled Plastic
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Fiskars Gardening Tool Caddy stores tools and supplies for easy access and transportation from indoors to out. Body is made of durable, lightweight, resin with 20% post-consumer recycled plastic. Spacious toolbox includes a removable bin with holes for wall mounting and is the perfect organizer for snips, pruners, and more. Handle locks in place for one-handed carrying, or use side handles for two-handed carrying. Lifetime Warranty.
Worx WG323 20V Power Share 10" Cordless Pole/Chain Saw with Auto-Tension (Battery & Charger Included)
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[12’ EXTRA REACH] It takes just a few minutes and no tools to attach the pole. And with a reach of up to 12’ and only 10 lbs., you’ll be able to get to branches and limbs before they become a problem. Please refuel before use, but oil is sold separately. [FAST, CLEAN CUTS] This cordless 20V PowerShare chain saw is as fast and powerful as anything in its class. And with no gas, and no cord, there’s much less muss and fuss. [SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER] The same battery powers over 75plus 20V, 40V, and 80V lifestyle, garden, and power tools in the Power Share family. [AUTO-CHAIN TENSION] The automatic, tool-free chain tension system ensures you’ll always have the correct tension for the job at hand. [AUTO-CHAIN LUBRICATION] The automatic chain lubrication system not only makes for smoother, more efficient cuts, but it extends the life of the tool. And the oil level indicator lets you know exactly where you stand. [COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT] The saw itself weighs only 10 lbs. You’ll work longer, with less strain on your hands, arms, back, and legs. [PLENTY OF JUICE] These are the same batteries we use on our Jawsaw and in our lawnmowers. They’re powerful enough for those, and powerful enough for a chainsaw.
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