Before weeds get a headstart, smother them with a thick layer of mulch. This is far better for soils that are heavy with moisture after drenching winter rains. In beds that will host this spring's flowers and vegetables, add a layer of weed-free manure or compost, then cover with black plastic or cardboard. Weeds will be completely smothered and the ground will be ready for digging and planting without having to mow or pull weeds first. Hungry slugs and snails go hunting for early blooming spring bulbs.
Slugs can make a quick meal of daffodil flowers.
Bait or trap when necessary. Deciduous fruit trees should be fertilized with a complete fertilizer two to three weeks before they bloom. Feed lilacs and hydrangeas with a high-nitrogen fertilizer. If you haven't done so already, prune roses. It's still not too late to prune fruit trees, cane berries, wisteria and grapes.