Go skiing or hiking
Start seeds for annuals (cutting flowers) and vegetables, or direct-sow in warmer regions
Replenish supply of flea-and-tick and heartworm prevention for pets
Sign up for a strength-training class, or hire a trainer to teach you what to do
Order gravel for driveway and walkways
Give your bike a spring tune-up
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
(second Sunday of March); set clocks one hour ahead
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly. Change the batteries at least twice a year, or as needed
Plant sweet peas
Buy Pacific halibut (now in season)
Schedule post-winter spa treatments
Bake soda bread
Garden
Fertilize beds and plant crops (page 28)
Cook
Go maple sugaring; then put maple syrup to good use (page 29)
Launder pet bedding and winter coats
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
(March 17)
Cook corned beef and cabbage; serve with soda bread
Finalize tax forms; shred documents you no longer need
FIRST DAY OF SPRING*
Clean
Deep-clean area rugs (page 30)
Visit a local museum
String up an outdoor clothesline
Take inventory of spring cleaning supplies; shop for anything that’s missing
Replace winter doormats with inexpensive coco mats
Cook
Use spring alliums (page 31)
Host friends for dinner; serve seasonal produce like artichokes and leeks
Check luggage and repair or replace (it’s often on sale now)
Invite friends over for pancakes and waffles
Put away winter snow supplies and sports gear
Clean and refill bird feeders; bring them in at night if bears are nearby
*FIRST DAY OF SPRING Falls during the spring equinox, almost always on March 19, 20, or 21 in the northern hemisphere.