1. Ready to Garden: Now is the time to make sure your pruners and garden tools are ready for the season. Other garden tools may need a bit of upkeep with cleaning and lube also. One of my new tools from last year is my Milwaukee Tool oscillating tool. It comes in two sizes, either a higher weight 12 volt or a little heavier 18 volt. This handheld compact tool makes pruning in tight spaces so much easier. The blades make a clean clear cut of larger canes which can be hard to get at with a lopper. It also is quicker and more efficient in the spring pruning process.
2. Remove Debris: Clear away dead leaves, steps, and old foliage and early growing weeds to present disease, but do this only after the ground dries slightly to avoid compaction of the soil.
3. March Weather: In Wisconsin, we can get every kind of weather possible. Everyone gets very anxious to get out in our gardens to bring spring earlier. Do not put away your plant winter protection too early. I always wait until the forsythia bloom.
4. Catalogs and New Innovations: While we wait is the best time to look for the latest and greatest roses and tools to keep them looking great. There are so many sources online to find what we need. Don’t forget your local retailers. They can provide great insight which you can’t get from online sources.
milwaukeerose.org 