This time of year holds great promise, but also a few perils, when it comes to planting. Our mild winters beg us outdoors to begin preparations for spring planting, then we get all excited and start putting seeds and transplants in our fresh beds. Some gardeners will urge caution against a late frost, but we're more "Go For It" people. What's the worst that can happen, you ask? Well, we could get a few frosty nights which might kill some new transplants. For us, the pleasure of planting in time to enjoy a spring harvest is worth it. Better to plant early then late. We all know what high and dry temperatures can do.

So here's a list of some initial chores you should plan on and then seeds and transplants you can safely (probably) put in in the next few weeks. Have fun!

Bed Prep - No matter where you live in the Valley, our soils have one thing in common: They need organic material. Be sure and add 4 to 6 inches of compost to your soil before planting anything. You want that soil to be light, not heavy. We also add Worm Castings to ensure seeds and transplants thrive. Established plants will also benefit from a good mulching of compost and some Worm Castings. The castings are a natural, slow release boost of nitrogen.

Pull up dead tired plants and rake up leaves. Start a compost pile. This is a great, easy way to recycle kitchen scraps and lawn clippings. Just ask us and we are happy to give you tips and you can see the one Amy uses the shop.

Container Tips - This is a wonderful time of year for planting containers. Try planting a Salad Garden in a container this year. Pots are perfect for all kinds of lettuce, chives, radishes, baby ball carrots as well as edible flowers. They are beautiful and yummy at the same time.

Sow Summer Blooming Wildflowers - There are a number of wildflowers that will do well and bloom during the searing summer months. Sow wildflowers now for summer blooms. We recommend Desert Marigold, Sacred Datura, Desert Senna and Arizona Poppy. We’ve also got a great Summer Wildflower mix.

Here's what to plant right now:

Veggies - beets, bok choy, carrots, chard, leeks, green onions, peas, radishes, spinach.

Leave room for these favorites to plant in about two weeks (around Feb. 10): cucumbers, melon, summer squash, okra, corn, snap and lima beans and tomato transplants. Remember do not wait until March to plant your tomatoes - that's too late.

Herbs - catnip chamomile, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel, lavender, parsley, rosemary and thyme.

Leave room for these favorites to plant by Feb. 20: anise, basil, tarragon, lemon balm, lemon grass, marjoram, mint, oregano, sage, salad burnet, yarrow.

Flowers - You can still plant nasturtiums, if you do it right now, also bare root roses, bee balm, butterfly weed, black-eyed Susan, celosia, coleus (an excellent plant for shade), cosmos, desert marigold, four o'clock, gallardia, globe amaranth, gloriosa daisy, hollyhock, impatiens, lisianthus, marigolds, mexican sunflower, portulaca, sunflowers, sweet alyssum.