Springtime equals gardentime. Here are some tips to help you enjoy this time of year.

• For better blooms next year, resist the temptation to cut back your daffodils until they have almost completely died back.

• Purchase annuals without flowers so that you can enjoy the blooms longer. Choose shorter bushy plants because the larger ones are more established already and may not transplant as well.

• A dark green color is generally a good indicator of a strong healthy plant. (Make sure that they are not light colored or yellowing. Nor should they have brown patches)

• When planting your annuals if you loosen up the roots a bit before planting it will stimulate stronger growth.

• Remember to rotate vegetable crops to help control pests, disease and keep the soil in good condition.

• Slugs love cool, moist weather and succulent, leafy crops, especially lettuce and cabbage. Debris in the garden provides them with a place to hide and should be removed promptly. To see if your garden is under attack, put out a board or invert a flowerpot in the garden. The next morning, see if there are any slugs clinging underneath. If so, begin removing them by hand every few days to decrease their population.

• Grass clippings can be used as mulch in flowerbeds and vegetable gardens if allowed to dry well before use. Fresh, damp, grass clippings will mat and may attract pests. Never use clippings from a lawn that has been treated with an herbicide.

– On The House