Late winter and early spring weather can be unpredictable and erratic in many locations. It usually is in ours. And while it can be a relatively low key period (if you so choose) compared to the hustle and bustle of mid- to late-spring and summer, there is still a fair amount that can be done out in the fruit garden and orchard.

In January, gardeners have started a new calendar year but most of us are still weeks or months away from warmer weather and the spring gardening season when many of us dust off our tools and start to really think about gardening. (Okay, many of us never stop thinking about gardening.) HOWEVER, there is plenty that can be done in and around the garden during the winter months that will get you caught up from last season and/or set you up to launch into the coming season.