Although you can still see a little snowfall, March is one of the most important months for gardeners because spring usually begins by the third week of March.

Here is a checklist of things you need to prep up for the coming spring:

1. Make sure your tools are clean and in good condition.  Change the oil, tighten the bolts and sharpen the blades of your lawn mower.  Sharpen your other gardening tools like shovels, hoes, and pruning shears and apply a thin coat of penetrating oil to the metal parts and heavier oil on moving parts.
2. Remove weeds by hand.  Nip weeds at the bud to prevent it from flowering.  Consult an expert for other persistent pests like quack grass or morning glory.
3. Prepare the soil of your garden by mulching.  Use compost, peat moss and fertilizer for plants or vegetables.  Smooth out low spots by raking the soil.
4. Start planting a vegetable garden and carefully choose the vegetables you plant.  Depending on your planting zone and the weather, you can plant some perennial vegetables right in your rich new soil.
5. Start planting crops indoors by using egg cartons, trays or pots but make sure the seedlings get lots of light.