We are already experiencing short periods of warmer weather here in the south. Before we know it, spring will be here. The best time to prepare for our spring garden is now. Some plantings can even be done now while the soil is workable.

Inspect the trees and shrubs around your yard. Some shrubs may be overgrown, leggy, or past their prime. Plan to replace these shrubs with younger, healthier shrubs. You may want to try new shrubs in these areas. How about just going for a new look, or new flower colors? The shrubs can be replanted in other areas of your yard or discarded if diseased or distorted beyond repair.

Overgrown shrubs steal sunlight from other plants and make your border or house look closed in. They also encourage the growth of algae on your home by preventing air circulation. This is especially the case in areas of high humidity. This can also encourage rotting of wood on siding and eaves.

When replacing shrubs, follow these rules:

• plant shrubs that will not outgrow their space.
• plant shrubs in an area where they will get the amount of light they need.
• plant at least a foot away from the house plus half the width of the MATURE shrub or tree being planted. To do this, you must know how large the plant will grow. If you are not sure, find out from a local plant nursery.
• plant shrubs on an overcast day or during the early evening hours. Do not plant shrubs on a day when it will be sunny and hot.
• plant only hardy shrubs. Plant tender plants after the last expected frost in your area.
• mulch newly planted shrubs so the soil stays soft and loose for roots to easily spread through.
• water the shrubs thoroughly, watching for any prolonged puddling around the base of the shrub. If there are signs of a drainage problem, correct it by adding soil amendments.
• plant the shrubs slightly above soil level. Cover any exposed roots with mulch instead of soil. This will help prevent root rot. Also, some shrubs will not flower and grow to their optimum size if they are planted too deep.

Take a look around your home and yard. If you are planning any improvements or upgrades, such as installing a walkway, path, garden bed, border, or fence, or if you are just planning on painting the trim on your house or restaining your porch or deck, picture your home with the improvements done. Will trees or shrubs have to be moved? Consider planting something to compliment the color of the newly painted shutters or deck. Put your plans on paper. Jot down ideas and plant suggestions.

Inspect your lawn and garden tools. Check your garden hoses and your sprinklers or sprinkler system, if you have one. Make sure that there are no leaks, or cracks, and that sprinkler heads are not clogged. Check shovels, rakes, and other garden tools for rust or cracks on the handles. Clippers and lawn mowers should be checked for dull blades and sharpened, if necessary.

Get a head start on weed prevention. Add mulch on top of old, decaying mulch. Spread pre-emergent herbicide, such as Preen, over flower beds to prevent weed seed germination. Pull any sprouted weeds and dig up tough, perennial weeds or spray them with RoundUp. Do not get RoundUp on desirable plants.

Plant annual seeds indoors now. Once they germinate, make sure they get plenty of light by setting them under fluorescent lights or in a sunny window. Do not plant them outside until danger of frost is past.