Cook

Use Spring Alliums

Early-specimen alliums, which in some places crop up soon after the thaw, will help you lean into the new season even before you’ve put away your winter coat. They pair especially well with eggs but can enhance all sorts of dishes.

Spring onions (shown above): Pulled from the ground before the bulbs have formed, these onions have a peppery bite and make a zesty garnish for soups, noodle dishes, and so much more.

Chive blossoms: With edible purple flowers and a delicate flavor, chive blossoms and their slender green stalks are often tossed into salads and pasta dishes.

Fresh garlic: With a milder flavor than the mature bulb, fresh garlic is equally good raw or cooked. Green garlic looks like spring onions and can be used the same way.

Scapes: The flower buds of the garlic plant, scapes must be removed in early spring to allow the familiar bulbs to mature. They have a singular spicy taste and chivelike appearance.

GENTLE REMINDERS

Winter can be hard on wood decks and porch floors. If water is soaking in rather than beading up on wood surfaces, it’s time to reseal. First give the wood a thorough cleaning and let dry, then sand any dull areas (and vacuum dust); follow sealer instructions to apply.

Equip entryways with boot trays to catch wet, muddy shoes and boots. For makeshift ones that are a snap to clean, simply set out large sheet pans fitted with cooling racks.

Prepare your bike for the cycling season. Check your tires and inner tubes for damage or cracking, be sure gears and chains are lubricated, and test brakes for squeaks and worn-down pads. If you’re not a seasoned cyclist, it’s best to make an appointment with a bike pro for a tune-up.