Spring is on its way – finally! I am anxious to get to work in the garden, and there are plenty of things to do to get ready for the growing season. Here are some ways you can prepare your lawn and garden for the season.

1. Prune summer and fall flowering shrubs.

Hydrangeas, beauty berry and spireas can be cleaned up. Remove deadwood, thin, and reduce size if needed. Wait to prune lilacs and quince until after they bloom this spring.

2. Clean up trees.

Pick up branches and sticks that fell in the ice storm. Prune trees before buds break. Remove stubs left by broken-off branches and any branches that are split or hanging. Branches can also be thinned to allow light to penetrate into the tree and to promote good structure in the tree.

3. Remove winter weeds.

Avoid walking a lot in the garden or landscape while the ground is wet, but remove the weeds that are within reach. Dandelions and chickweed are heavy seed producers, so leaving one now could result in hundreds of them later. In the lawn, small numbers of weeds can be popped out with a shovel or trowel. If you have a lot of weeds, spot treat with a post-emergent herbicide that is selective for broadleaf plants. A pre-emergent herbicide labeled for crabgrass can be applied in problem areas when the redbud trees bloom.

4. Cut back perennials and ornamental grasses.

Most perennial flowers can be cut close to ground level. Trim clumps of ornamental grasses to 6 to 8 inches high, using shears, pruners or a chain saw. Many ornamental grasses can be burned if it is legal where you live, but use caution – they burn very hot and fast.

5. Add compost and mulch.

Compost and mulch are two different things, and both are important to the health of your garden. Compost is decayed organic matter. The organic matter can be from a single source like cotton burrs, or a mixture of sources like leaves and spent flowers. Adding compost is the best way to improve the quality of your soil. Mulch is a protective layer added over the top of the soil. A variety of materials make good mulch; the most common choice is shredded wood or bark. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and moisture fluctuations and reduces the number of weeds.

6. Make a garden shopping list.

If I go to the store without a list, I end up buying more than I need. Check out new plants and tools on the Web or at the library, and then stop by your favorite garden center to see what they are growing. Make sure to put sunscreen and insect repellent on the list.

7. Take a gardening class or read a gardening book.

Gardening is not a perfect science, so there is always something new to learn. Taking a class can eliminate some of the trial and error. My favorite gardening books have lots of pictures and ideas for my own yard.

8. Build a flower box or buy a new flowerpot.

Containers are a great way to brighten the porch or patio. Build your own or find a stylish new one.

9. Organize the toolshed/potting bench.

There are many tool sorters and creative hangers available. Keeping garden supplies organized will allow you to spend more time in the garden instead of looking for what you need. Make space for the things on your shopping list.

10. Take time to smell the tulips.

As the plants green up and spring flowers bloom, don’t forget to look around and enjoy it – it only comes once a year.