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Shrubs and trees

1. Water blooming shrubs (such as azalea and rhododendron) regularly. Don't forget to water plants under the overhang of your roof.

2. It's time to plant when the ground is soft, around the beginning of April in E TN.

3. The last Friday in April is Arbor Day...plant a tree!

4. Learn what your soil needs for optimum health. In early spring you can participate in the Soil Testing program provided at a low cost through the County Extension agent. You will get individual recommendations based on your soil test results.

Perennials, annuals and bulbs

1. To keep your Easter lilies blooming longer indoors, place them in indirect sunlight in a cool room. When the flowers open up, pinch off the yellow anthers.

2. Apply bone meal to crocuses as flowers fade.

3. Divide matted iris beds and order later blooming varieties for planting mid-summer.

4. Pick faded tulip blooms but allow greenery to die off naturally before removing.

Fruits and vegetables

1. Rotate vegetable crops to help control pests and disease and to keep the soil in good condition.

2. Plant warm season vegetables indoors now for transplanting outdoors in May.

3. Time to set out onion seedlings or bulbs.

4. Cool weather veggies such as peas, lettuce and radishes can be planted now.

5. Time to plant blueberries, currants and gooseberries. Plant in full sun; keep them well watered until established.

6. Prune stone fruit trees such as peaches as soon as buds start to develop. Do not prune these in the winter while they are dormant.

Lawn

1. Time to apply a spring type of lawn fertilizer to perk up the lawn and improve its color.

2. As mowing becomes necessary make sure the lawnmower blade is sharp to prevent tearing the grass tips.

3. Set the blade at 2 ½ inches to avoid scalping your lawn.

4. Aerating the lawn will allow water to penetrate deeper into the soil and can reduce the need for watering during the dryer months ahead.

Houseplants

1. Rotate your houseplants to get the best sunlight for all sides of your plants to promote even growth and a balanced shape.

2. Pinching back the tips of your plants will stimulate new growth and make your plants fuller.

3. Spring clean your plants to keep them beautiful and pest free. Rinse the dust from the leaves with the kitchen sprayer.

Odds and ends

1. Drive around neighborhoods to see what types of plants and flowers you would like to plant at your place.

2. Stand back and enjoy Mother Nature's handiwork as you walk around parks and woods.

3. Don't overdo it and make your muscles sore as you work to make your garden the garden of your dreams!