Time to ...

Check out winter bloomers. Right now witch hazels, wintersweet, and winter honeysuckle are in all stages of bloom and bud at public gardens in the area. Or make your own display to herald spring: Group several pots near the front door, covering them with decorative burlap or old fabric. Once the blooms are spent, plant these fragrant favorites near entryways for next season's sensual experience. Many have other seasons of interest, like great fall color, especially the witch hazels and wintersweet. Here's an excellent article on the subject: http://arnoldia.arboretum.harvard.edu/pdf/articles/1019.pdf

Think about new seed and plant cabinets. You can purchase them online, through a catalog, in a home and garden store - or make them yourself out of empty cabinets. They're like mini-greenhouses. I love the way they look. Here's a how-to for this project: http://www.ehow.com/how_5527682_build-grow-cabinets.html

Prepare plant warmers. You can make them from old nursery pots - preferably black because they warm up quickly and create the perfect mini-microclimate for new starts. Cut the bottoms off the pots, stack them up, and you're ready to plant. When the time comes, place the pot over the seedling, partially burying it so the wind can't carry it away. These homemade warmers will also protect against crawling critters.

Recycle your old cloth shopping bags. Fill some of them with fresh compost and cool-weather crops, such as radishes, leafy greens, arugula, and others in the mustard family, known as "cole crops," that you may have started earlier indoors. This group includes broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. Place filled bags in a wagon so you can pull them into the garage or onto a porch if nighttime temperatures dip below freezing. Save the rest of your recycled bags for planting potatoes and other warmer season vegetables.

Make a list or two. Write down all the things you need for your garden - and add a wish list, too! Check the newspaper and online sale sites and hit the early-season garage, rummage, and estate sales. You can usually find bargains for your garden, such as pots, outdoor furniture, and even sculpture.