For outside

TASKS

■ Grass seed can be planted if the soil is workable and temperatures have begun to rise. Select grass appropriate for the site, such as shade-tolerant types under trees.

■ Continue pruning plants that have no sign of leaf or fl ower buds breaking. Do not prune plants that flower in spring or early summer; these include forsythias, lilacs and climbing roses.

■ Sow seeds indoors for vegetables and fl owers that will be placed outside in mid-May; tomatoes are an example.

■ Dormant oil spray

can be applied to fruit trees when temperatures are 40 degrees or higher for 24 hours. To treat fruit trees organically, use a plant- based oil spray.

■ Prepare planting sites for turf grass, vegetables, annuals and perennials. Do not work wet soil. To test for cultivation readiness, take a handful of soil and make a ball. Drop it on the ground. If it crumbles easily, the soil is ready to work.

■ Seeds of cool-season vegetables and fl owers can be sown when the soil is workable. These include sweet peas, alyssum, larkspur, lettuce, carrots, broccoli, turnips, beets, parsnips, collards and spinach.

■ Transplant perennials as soon as the soil is soft enough to dig. The sooner they are moved, the better the recovery from transplant shock.

■ Make sure that the roof gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and that the water drains away from the house. If there are no underground drains, make sure that splash blocks are placed and sloped properly.

■ If you climb a ladder to check the gutters, take a look at the roof. Look for missing or raised shingles. Make sure the fl ashing around the chimney and in roof valleys and joints is intact and sealed. If you prefer to remain on the ground, stand back and use a pair of binoculars.