Sow seeds. Many herbs, vegetables and flower seeds can be sown directly into the garden soil this month. Try sowing seeds for chives, cilantro, dill, parsley, sweet peas, nasturtium, cosmos, beets, carrots, endive, kale, lettuce, parsnips, mustard greens, peas, radishes, spinach, turnips and rutabagas. Seeds for tomatoes and peppers can be started indoors.

Fertilize flower and vegetable gardens. Early in the month, work some compost or organic fertilizer into your flower and vegetable beds so the soil is ready to go when spring hits. Try compost teas, liquid fertilizers, worm castings, cottonseed meal or compost from your own compost pile. Rake the mulch to the side and work the fertilizer into the top couple of inches of soil, then rake smooth and replace the mulch.

Ask your nursery for a fertilizer recommendation — nobody knows the local soil and typical garden problems better than the staff at a good local garden center.

Establish fruit trees and plants. Blackberries, dewberries, grapes, figs, pears, persimmons, strawberries and pomegranates can all be planted now, but be sure to choose the varieties that are best suited for your particular area. Your local nursery or extension office can provide recommendations for you, as well as the best times to plant them.