Take an inventory of seed starting supplies. These things are helpful: a heating mat, peat pots, starting mix and gloves. Other supplies include grow light bulbs and a fixture, a watering can, plant signs and permanent marker pens.

Punxsutawney Phil declared an early spring for 2019. With that encouragement, these activities lay the groundwork for our gardening preparations.

Finalize your vegetable and flower garden plans.

Research and select the plant varieties as well as the number of plants required for your desired harvest. Draw your plans on paper or take photographs; measure your garden plots for greater accuracy in determining the number of seeds and plants you will need. Purchase a paper notebook or a flash drive to start your 2019 garden journal.

Inventory your seed starting supplies and equipment.

Based on your garden size, determine the number of seedlings you want for yourself and perhaps for family and friends. Decide if you want to use peat pots, plastic trays or other containers.

Assure that you have enough seed starter medium, pots, seeds and trays. Check your light source and replace bulbs if needed.

Onions and leeks can be started in early February.

Inspect your garden tools.

Decide which tools to keep, replace or donate. Research new tools that you may need. If not completed in the fall, clean tools and repair broken ones. Sharpen shears and pruners.Take stock of your gardening accessories, such as tomato cages, labels and containers. Repair and clean items as needed.Look over your gardening attire.Wash or purchase new gardening gloves. Replace gloves that have holes and tatters, which can allow soil or chemicals onto your hands.Look over gardening shoes and boots and repair or replace damaged footwear. Having sturdy footwear prevents foot injuries and promotes balance while working outdoors.Keep bird feeders full, clean and well-maintained.Note destruction from large and small animals; repair broken feeders and replace damaged feeder parts.Walk outdoors and prune dead limbs from trees and shrubs.Take note of exposed crowns of perennials, such as coral bells, and push them back into the soil. On warm days, watch for honey bees and look for hellebore flowers and blooming witch hazels.Working our way through these chores brings us one month closer to spring.Lisa Marie Bernardo, Ph.D., RN, has been a Penn State Master Gardener in the county since 2003.

Lisa Marie Bernardo