Here in Central California it's beginning the warm towards Spring. Generally speaking there won't be to much more in the way of cold snaps here in the Valley (though that's not 100%). Now is the perfect transitional time in the garden to spruce up things at the tail end of Winter and get ready for the green push of Spring.

Here's a list of to-do's that would be great whole-family projects

• Rake out all leaves and debris from garden beds    
• Plant cool annuals like Iceland Poppies and Pansies    
• It's too late to plant Tulips for this Spring, but there are several bulbs you CAN plant now for a Spring bloom, like Calla Lilies, Begonias, and Dahlias.    
• Get a head start and do summer vegetable seeds like Tomatoes, Squash, and herbs in a protected area    
• Plant bareroot roses and fruit trees    
• Finish pruning jobs on established roses and fruit trees    
• Prep flower and vegetable beds by tilling in compost now for planting in a few weeks

There are lots of important tasks to get out and do right now. We're all itching to get outside and do something, especially the kids!

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