Master Gardeners host their second "How to Landscape" Extravaganza on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Visalia Convention Center. With more than 24 different gardening seminars offered, this event is likely to sell out because space is limited and it is "first come, first served." Cost is $10 per person paid in advance or $25 at the door. For more information call 685-3303 during office hours or check the Web site http://cetulare.

ucdavis.edu/mg/mg.htm.

The historical average last frost date for our area is March 15, so after then "let the planting begin!" It's time to roll out the wheelbarrow, grab the shovels and trowels, and have a planting party with the family. Nurseries are stocking up on colorful annuals and perennial flowers, bulbs, citrus, herbs, shrubs, trees, vegetables and vines. Did I leave anything out? Planting in early spring gives plants a chance to establish their roots in their new landscape spot before the hot days of summer arrive.

Annuals - You can sow seed or buy seedlings of ageratum, alyssum, bachelor's button, begonia, celosia, cleome, cosmos, coreopsis, gomphrena, impatiens, lobelia, marigolds, nasturtiums, nicotiana, petunias, portulacas, salvias, verbena and zinnias.

Bulbs - Summer blooming bulbs such as cannas, caladium, calla lily, crocosmia, dahlia, gladiolus, liatris, Oriental lilies, ranunculus, tuberose and zephyranthes should be set in the ground now.

Citrus - Grapefruit, kumquats, lemons, limes, oranges, mandarins, pummelos, and tangelos all do well in Tulare County and need just a little more frost protection in Kings county. Some of us may need to replant after our winter freeze.

Herbs - Plant chives, dill, French tarragon, oregano, lavender, mint, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Wait until next month (after the weather warms up a little) before planting basil.

Perennials - Artemisia, brachycome, butterfly bush, coneflower, coral-bells, coreopsis, daylilies, diascia, dianthus, euphorbia, Felicity, geraniums, ornamental grasses, ornamental sweet potato, phlox, salvia, Santa Barbara daisy, sea-thrift, and yarrow can be planted in spring.

Veggies - Plant beans, beets, lettuce, peas, potatoes and radishes directly in the garden. Transplant some tomatoes now and wait until April to transplant bell and chili peppers, cucumber, eggplant, melons, and squash.

Houseplants - With spring comes a new flush of growth so it's time to fertilize the houseplants with a diluted solution of soluble indoor plant food. Add a little time release fertilizer for good measure. Pinch growing tips to promote thick, bushy growth.

Lawns - Seed or sod new fescue lawns and fertilize established fescue lawns. Wait until April to fertilize Bermuda grass and May or June before seeding Bermuda lawns.

Critter Control - Patrol for slugs and snails. Spring bulbs are blooming now and those little slimers just love 'em.

Garden Chores

Stay on top of weeds. Spring rains will encourage rapid growth, so hand pull or hula hoe before they flower and seed.

Fertilize all plants that are actively growing.

Trim hedges to retain their shape. Keep them narrower at the top and wider at the bottom so plants get maximum light to prevent bald spots.

Start early to train vines and climbers so they don't get out of control. Construct trellises for beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, and vining ornamentals.

Check irrigation equipment; soon it will be time to water again. Fix faucets, valves, and sprinkler heads. Check drip systems, sprinklers and hoses and fix them up. Buy some new hose end nozzles and rubber washers, if needed. It's more fun and efficient to water when everything works properly.

Check the lawnmower and tune it up. Let's make sure it's in top running condition and the blades are sharp for the upcoming mowing season.

Visit nurseries often, so when new plants arrive you can get the best pick. When buying seedlings, bigger is not always better: look for quality, dark green leaves, thick, sturdy stems, nothing shriveled or yellow. Pop a seedling out of its cell to examine the roots; you don't want a skimpy root system or a matted one. Read the plant label and pay attention to the cultural needs. Does it need sun or shade; does it like dry conditions or wet? Select plants with similar needs and group them together in your landscape. Your plants will look better and live longer if they receive the proper amounts of sun, shade, and water.

Finally, try to get the whole family involved in an outdoor project. Young children love helping in the garden, what could be more fun than playing in the dirt?

Thea Fiskin is part of the Tulare-Kings Master Gardener Program. Call 582-3211, ext. 2736, e-mail cekingsdavis.edu or write UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, 680 N. Campus Drive, Suite A, Hanford, CA 93230.

(Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007)