About The Shopping List: Garden & Lawn Prep for Spring

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The Shopping List I know it's time to get back in the garden before the trees and plants even begin to bud. How do I know? Well, besides looking at the calendar (duh), I start sneezing frequently, and my eyes feel like they're being scratched by itchy wool. Ahh, spring allergies. Grab a Pruner and Get Started Still, I get my behind outdoors (not without a face mask, of course) because I want my plants to look good come spring. Did you know the best time to prune certain flowering trees and shrubs is actually early spring -- in other words, like, right now? For that, you'll need a good pruner. Check out these top picks for hand pruners for as little as 20 bucks. See More About:  pruners  pruning  garden tools Wheelbarrows and Carts Early spring is also the best time to take proactive action against weeds, says our Guide to Gardening. But please don't try to compost the weeds you pull up -- they'll only come back to haunt you. Instead, throw them in one of these wheelbarrows or garden carts and send 'em far, far away from your lawn and flower beds. So long, guys! See More About:  wheelbarrows  garden tools  garden maintenance Rake, Rake, Rake Away When you're pretty sure the snow season (if you have one) is over in your area, get the rake out and get to your lawn, says our Guide to Landscaping. Not only do you want to remove any leaves left over from the fall, you'll want to rake to control thatch. Try one of these rakes recommended by our Guide to Gardening. See More About:  garden tools  leaf clean-up  garden maintenance Control the Pests As it gets warmer, out come the bugs and animals that can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden. Before they mess up the hard work you've done to get your property in shape, keep them away with these pest-control products. See More About:  pest control  the tools of the trade  groundhog day The Shopping List Ads Lawn and Garden Spring Lawn Care Garden Decor Garden Landscape Home Garden Featured Articles What and When to Prune Weeding Tools Spring Landscaping Q&A Spring Clean Your Lawn How to De-Thatch a Lawn Spring Clean Your Garden   More from About.com Financial Emergencies An unexpected change in your financial situation can be incredibly stressful. Here's how to cope. More> Retirement Planning Learn the top five things you need to do in order to start building a retirement nest egg. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About The Shopping List newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2012 About.com   Advertisement