1. Preparing for seeds.
Make sure you have the seeds, pots and area is ready to start seeds. Check schedules for starting indoors. Items like celery and hot peppers should already be started indoors for all zones below 6. Make sure your seed stock is fresh. Many store bought seed packets are only viable for one to two years if not placed in cold storage.
2. Implement maintenance.Now is the time to be sure your tools, mechanical and otherwise, are in sound, working condition. For hand tools, sharpen the edges, oil the blades and repair or replace splintered or broken handles. Sharpening the blades of mower decks, tillers, plows and other implements now will allow spring ground-breaking to get off to a smooth start.
3. Stocking up on the essentials.
If you produce your own soaps, detergents and other household products, stocking up now will ensure you make it through the busy spring and summer months without setting aside precious time to whip up more. This also includes any homemade insecticides or inoculates you make or purchase such as neem oil or other essential oils you need.
4. Preparing soil amendments.
Not all of the prep work can be done indoors, so take advantage of those warmer days in the last
weeks of winter to work outside. Enrich garden soils by adding a top layer of compost to the rows. Great time to start sifting soil, compost to get ready for seed pots. If you purchase garden soil or compost, now may be a good time to get your order in for delivery in the next few weeks.