We've had some really nice days and many folks are chomping at the bit to get out and plant their garden. Don't. Not yet anyway. The danger of the last frost has still not passed. Longtime inland northwest gardners know that you don't plant gardens and potted plants until about the middle of May. Mothers day weekend is a good time. Pretty soon the nurseries will be springing up area parking lots and it will be tempting to buy some hanging baskets or some beautiful annuals. Unless you are prepared to bring them inside some nights I wouldn't get them until May 15th. Some spokane valley residents use the rule of thumb of not planting until the snow is off of Mica peak.
On a related note its time to fertilize your lawn. It's suggested to fertilize 4 times a year coinciding with holidays. Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor day. If you use a mulching mower you may be able to reduce fertilizing to 3 times a year. And as we become more educated about protecting our river and lakes try not to get any fertilizer into the street where it will be washed into the sewer system.

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