1. Soil Samples. Some nursery persons are recommending getting your soil checked through your State Extension office. This would be more beneficial to those recommending the testing, trying to appear horticulturally astute. We all should know that our limestone clay soil that the majority of us have been gifted with is derived from decomposed limestone. No lime should ever be needed in your lawn or planting beds. There are soil amendments available to lower your soil's PH to more favorable soil for the vast majority of your trees, shrubs, and flowers. Having your soil tested will only further confuse you. Take my word for it. I've never checked mine and my plants, including the lawn look great.

2. Need Landscape help. This is an excellent time to seek professional help. See article 'Curb Appeal" for more info.

3. Take that lawn mower in for service. Make sure to get that mower blade sharpened while in the shop. Tool rental businesses all service homeowners lawn mowers and are very reasonably priced. Remember, when the grass starts to grow, you start to mow.

4. Check out any container stored plants that you might have placed in your unheated garage or basement. Make sure the soil is mist, not wet and that the plant is in an area with good daylight. With the temps being on the mild side for now, don't be surprised if some new growth is trying to appear. More on what to do will come with future newsletters.

A great personal gift for your gardner could be an autographed copy of Denny's newest gardening book. "Month-By-Month Gardening in Ohio"

Featuring 300 pages in full color telling the reader what to do with well over 1000 varieties of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vines, bulbs, herbs & vegetables, lawns, roses, and water & bog plants each and every month of the year. A great plant index allows you to quickly reference any plant that you wish to inquire about.

You can order this autographed book by calling our office at 513-984-8733