![A worm on top of the soil](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/jumping%20worm%2C%20Flickr%20by%20Alfredo%20Eloisa.jpg?h=dcb399b2&itok=xUNZwv7o)
Jumping worms are a new and unwelcome invasive species in Minnesota. Learn how to prevent accidental spread of this nuisance worm to your landscape.
![potato plant](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Potatoes%20grwon%20in%20mulch.jpg?h=c9f71a6a&itok=EffyO0sI)
If you haven’t thought about potatoes yet, now is a great time to select varieties and think about planting once the weather cooperates. Potatoes are grown from seed tubers, not true seed.
![Patchy spring lawn](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/spring%20lawn%20%285-25-21%29.jpg?itok=2F1jZAkJ)
Following are some tips for early spring lawn care: what you can do, and, most importantly, what you should wait to do. Remember, with all things gardening, patience is a virtue!
![Peppers harvested from seed trials at WCROC](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Peppers%20WCROC.jpg?itok=XjXt2XkX)
Researchers at the WCROC took a look at four common bell pepper varieties and compared them against each other to determine which, if any, variety would have the best production for the home gardener.
![Cell tray for starting seeds](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/010%20Cell%20trays%20for%20starting%20seeds%20and%20rooting%20cuttings.jpg?h=0c07b565&itok=pfRCnPKM)
It may still be winter outside but it isn’t too early to start thinking about gardening. There are several different options a dedicated gardener can do to jump start their growing season.
![flower garden](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Monarchs%20on%20the%20cone%20flower%20Gina%20L..jpg?h=4c8f9f7a&itok=0WmLgg4R)
Here are a few annuals and perennials you might consider including in your ornamental garden this year.
![Snow covered tree branch with red berries](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/snowy-berries.jpg?h=c2070b6b&itok=9Q8hI8C2)
Winter months in Minnesota can get long and seem to carry on. Fortunately, many native plants and introduced species can provide beautiful berries that persist into the winter months and provide a critical food source for wildlife.
![Master Gardener talking to lady in garden](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/mg-washingtoncty-2016.jpg?h=ed5b6a6b&itok=XCFpvzka)
Did you make a new year's resolution this month? Extension gardening educators have come up with a few gardening practice resolutions that should be easy to keep and are sure to help you help your garden grow in 2021.