Spring is the season for gardeners! Can't you feel the fever of gardening as it runs rampant through your town or county (or parish for you Louisiana gardeners!)? We all love to garden but this time of year even our not-so-dedicated neighbors get into the act, even if it is just to buy a sack of fertilizer to green up the lawn.

I can't wait for the broccoli and potatoes to start producing, but other plants demand my attention now. The soil is ready for warm season veggies. Despite it being a tiny bit early for my area, I think I will go ahead and plant those bush bean seeds that are burning a hole in the seed packet. Patience is a virtue I only possess for fleeting moments, especially when it comes to the garden. Tomatoes will also go in this week. A milk jug "hotcap" will keep them warm enough on the occasional cool nights we are having.

It is also time for us to set out those other gladiolus bulbs. I'll save some for a couple of weeks to extend the cut flower season. Speaking of cut flowers, seeds of zinnias are due to be planted too. There are few flowers that give so much beauty for so little work as those good ol' zinnias. With so many types and varieties to choose from, there's truly a zinnia for every gardener.

Our county fair is coming up later this week. The children have been nursing some dish gardens along under my plant light stand. In a day or so, I can get my plant lights back as their jungle of foliage heads off to compete for the blue ribbon. Now all those postponed rooting and seed starting projects can finally happen!

It has been an education for them (and me) during these past few months. I highly recommend everyone with kids around find a type of indoor dish garden or terrarium to build and grow. Such projects really are great for getting kids interested in growing things, and in teaching responsibility.

Well, better go check the potatoes again to see if they've started producing yet. After all, it's been over 3 hours now...

Skip Richter has been an avid gardener in the south and southwest for 30 years. He appears on local radio and television gardening shows, and writes a weekly newspaper gardening column. He has trained Master Gardeners in several Texas county programs, as well as at state and national conferences. He is the county extension agenc for Travis County, TX