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.

Here are two recommendations:

Allen Centennial Garden Spring Symposium

Spring Symposium at the Rotary Botanical Gardens

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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Corona Tools 10-Inch RazorTOOTH Folding Saw

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3 SIDED RAZOR TEETH FOR EFFICIENT CUTTING: 10" blade is ideal for cutting 5"–6" diameter, small to medium, branches. ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED, COMFORTABLE, CO-MOLDED HANDLE: Provides a comfortable grip for extended use. EASY TO LATCH BLADE PREVENTS INJURY WHEN NOT IN USE: Folding blade is curved, taper-ground, and replaceable. IMPULSE HARDENED TEETH FOR LONG SERVICE LIFE: Extends the life of the tool season after season. UP TO 6 TEETH PER INCH AND CURVED BLADE DESIGN FOR FASTER CUTTING: Cuts are smoother and quicker than a traditional saw.

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Felco Pruning Shears (F 9) - High Performance Swiss Made One-Hand Left-Handed Garden Pruners

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The premium pruning clippers are constructed of forged aluminum handles and hardened steel blades. Rotating handle and ergonomic shock absorbers for increased comfort. This high-performance pruner features a wire cutter for small wires and a sap groove to minimize the blade sticking. Hardened steel blade and screw-mounted anvil blade ensure reliably clean, precise cuts. 8.3-inch (210mm) length, 0.98-inch (25mm) cutter diameter, and has a 0.54 lb (245 gram) weight. Ideal tool for left-handed pruners. Features a cushion stop, sap-groove, wire-cutting notch, and fine blade adjustment.

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Okatsune 103 Bypass Pruners General Purpose Medium

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Size (approx.): Width 2.2 x Depth 0.8 x Height 7.9 inches (5.5 x 2 x 20) Weight: Approx. 8.1 oz (230 g). Material: Steel. Made in Japan. The blade part is made of high grade blade steel. Vinyl coated handle for non-slip grip. Fits fruit tree selection.

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