Is it just me or does it happen to you too? You get a nice weekend early on in April and your mind starts to fill with the excitement of warmer and longer days to come so you spring into action filling your flower pots only to be thwarted by a cold snap. Such is the life of the New England gardener. But worry not! I’ve got a monthly maintenance guide for you that will keep your idle hands busy with a few worthy home maintenance tasks. These simple projects will get you prepped and organized so that you can move forward on next month’s outdoor projects with ease!

To – Dos:

Interior – 

• Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
• Run water & flush toilets in less frequently used spaces
• Clean garbage disposal
• Service water softener system
• Clean windows
• Clean and inspect window screens

Exterior –

• Clean gutters
• Clear leaf and plant debris from around the house
• Clear window wells and stairwells of debris
• Power-wash windows and siding
• Inspect driveways, walkways, and patios for cracks and damage from frost heaves
• Turn on exterior faucets and inspect hoses and sprinklers
• Clean and organize the garage. Push the snow clearing equipment and sleds to the back and bring forward the lawn care equipment and bikes!
• Remove dead or dying branches from trees and shrubs
• Fertilize garden beds, but don’t plan to plant anything new until a handful of soil can be squeezed without water running out and does not remain compacted into a clump