Regional Checklists:
1. Florida Garden Checklist
2. Texas Garden Checklist

Vines
The fragrant, yellow-flowering Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), shown at right, is one of the sure signs that seasons are changing. Vines offer great solutions for color, fragrance, and shade in tight spots in the garden. Other good choices include 'Tangerine Beauty' crossvine (Bignonia capreolata); red- or yellow-flowering trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens); fragrant, white-flowering Confederate jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides); orange- or yellow-flowering trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans); and purple-flowering, less aggressive American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens). These vines are available now at garden centers. You can also mail-order from Woodlanders, Inc., at (803) 648-7522 or www.woodlanders.net, or try Wayside Gardens at 1-800-845-1124 or www.waysidegardens.com.

• Soil--The most overlooked element of gardening is right at your feet. When the ground is dry, use a tiller or garden fork to loosen the dirt to about 1 foot deep. Amend with organic matter, such as chopped leaves, composted manure, mushroom compost, or peat to improve fertility and drainage. Add sulfur, lime, or any other needed nutrients as indicated by a soil test. For flowerbeds that are already planted, top-dress the soil with a layer of compost or chopped leaves. Better soil equals better plants.
• Herbs--Plant thyme, rosemary, and oregano now so they can get a good start. Wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before planting dill, fennel, and basil.
• Lawns--Fertilize cool-season lawns, such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass, now while they are still growing rapidly. Feed with a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 29-3-4. Wait to fertilize warm-season lawns, such as Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine, until after they turn green. If you have centipede, use a product that contains iron and is especially formulated for centipede grass.
• Spring equinox--The first day of spring arrives on March 20, but that does not necessarily coincide with your last frost date, which depends on where you live. A warm day and gentle breeze may be all it takes to make you want to plant something. If you just cannot wait, you do have some choices. Blooms of petunias, snapdragons, violas, pansies, nasturtiums, and sweet Williams can handle the cool weather. Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach, potatoes, and onions will do fine as well. Just wait a little longer for warmer days to plant favorites such as impatiens, caladiums, peppers, and tomatoes. It's almost time.