To – Dos:

Interior –

• Clean and vacuum curtains
• Check caulking around showers and bathtubs
• Run water and flush toilets in unused spaces
• Clean garbage disposal
• Clean microwave and oven
• Clean range hood filters
• Check CO2 and smoke detectors. Replace batteries.
• Check water softener and add salt if needed
• Repair interior wall damage and touch up paint as needed
• Turn your house plants regularly to keep them from leaning towards their light source.
• Want to try your hand at forcing branches to bring a little springtime flair to your interior decor? This is the month to snip Forsythia, Witch Hazel, and Pussy Willow. Simply cut the branches and bring them into a cool spot and plunge the stems into warm water. (Many people put the bottoms of the stems on a cutting board and smash the cut end with a hammer first.) After a few days, move the vase to regular house temperatures and keep it filled with water. Change the water every few days. Once the blooms appear, display the branches in a warm area.

Exterior –

• Check for ice dams and icicles on a regular basis
• Check all locks and deadbolts on your doors and windows
• Mid month, or whenever “the thaw” comes, reapply Wilt-Stop to your evergreens and rhododendrons. Spray during a dry period when the temperature is above 32 degrees.
• Re-apply deer repellants after a heavy rain or snow. Be sure to change scents frequently since deer quickly become used to certain scents.
• Clean, oil, and sharpen your garden tools now so that you are ready for spring