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Gardener's First Quarter Checklist

• Register for the Annual Spring Perennial Symposium, usually held in February at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Check under "Special Events" for details.
   
• Check soil for heaving after snow or ice. Make sure there is mulch cover, except on cold-loving plants, such as peonies.
   
• Feed and water the birds. Remember that birdseed sprouts in the garden, so keep out of beds or clean up beneath feeders.
   
• Plant trees and shrubs, especially winter-flowering, fragrant shrubs like winter sweet (Chimonanthus praecox), winter Daphne (Daphne odora) and winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima).
   
• Add manure or compost to your garden and turn it under if possible to prepare the garden for spring. If you cannot turn the soil, use the amendments as a mulch.
   
• Recycle your Christmas tree by using the branches as mulch.
   
• Plant bulbs, such as crocus, daffodils, Dutch iris, hyacinths and tulips before the end of the month.
   
• Prune summer-flowering shrubs.
   
• Remove damaged foliage from hellebores.
   
• Order garden seeds for spring sowing and plants for spring delivery. The best selection is available early.

• Prune or deadhead pansies. Feed, water and add new ones as needed.
   
• Prune roses in late February.
   
• For Arbor Day plant a new tree at home, or donate and plant a new tree at a local school or green space, with permission, of course.
   
• Pre-emergent can be applied to the garden between February 15 and March 15 in order to prevent weeds. Do not apply it to areas where reseeding of annuals is desired.
   
• Resist starting seed indoors until the recommended time on the package. Seedlings will grow leggy and weak without enough light if kept inside too long.

• Begin Spring cleanup.
   
• Most perennials will bloom more prolifically if given a boost of 12-6-6 or 15-15-15 fertilizer around the base of the plant. Avoid the crown.
   
• Bare-root roses in plastic bags have roots wrapped in moss. Avoid those with new growth. Remove the covering and soak the plant overnight before planting.
   
• Nasturtium seeds planted now will yield colorful mounds of blossoms to add to spring salads. The buds add a peppery flavor.
   
• When daffodils and other bulbs finish blooming, cut back spent blooms but not the foliage. It absorbs energy for next year's bloom.
   
• Wait until the last frost date to plant annuals.
   
• Start seed indoors that require 4 to 6 weeks lead time. Give them bottom heat and strong light.