The birds are chirping. The air smells different. It's spring and it's time to get a little dirt under the fingernails.

Whether you are creating a new flower bed or resurrecting an old one, it's time to start planning before you start planting.

First know your zone

West Virginia has several mild climate zones. The planting season varies. Before you plant, know your zone by going online to the West Virginia University extension at www.ext.wvu.edu. This free service has 55 offices throughout the state to help residents.

Knowing your zone is important if you order plants from a catalogue or a gardening magazine. The climate zone maps are tools to assist you if you are selecting a shrub, a tree or a perennial. Your planting must be able to tolerate the extremes of summer and winter temperatures.

The USDA developed a Hardiness Zone Map to provide hobby gardeners with zones which vary 10 degrees from the neighboring zone. For example, Elkins is a "5b" zone. Beckley is a "6a" zone and Charleston is a "6b." Knowing your zone is the difference between healthy plantings and plants damaged or killed by frost.

You can begin planting after the last frost. In some regions of the state, that could be as early as March. In cooler regions, it could be mid-May.

Curb appeal

A house looks like a home with shrubs, trees and flowers. Local nurseries are extremely helpful in selecting plantings which will thrive in your region.

However, before you shop for plantings, there are a few things you need to address before you start a new flower bed or landscaped area.

First, mark off the area. Spray paint or chalk a line around the area you want to turn into your new garden. Be creative. You don't have to mark off a square box or a perfect circle. Give your new garden personality with a curve or contour.

The goal of a new flower garden and landscaping is to add curb appeal. Plantings should not obstruct the entrance to your home. You want to draw attention to the best features of your home. Your prime potential garden and landscaping areas are the front corners of your yard, along the walkway to your front entrance and along your driveway.

A flower garden and landscaping should provide a contrast of color to your home. If your house is white, perhaps white roses are not the best choice. Instead, select a nice mixture of plants and colors. Plants should vary in size. Never plant a shrub or tree too close to your home.

Be sure to edge your new landscaping. Dig a trough and line it with brick or large rocks. This gives your new landscaping a clean and defined look and it keeps the grass from encroaching.

Prepare your new landscaping by removing the grass. Use leaves and newspapers for compost.

When you purchase your plants, take into account if the proposed landscaped area is shady, in full sun or no sun. Purchase plants accordingly.

When you get home with your new plants, take the time to site them, group them, move them until you are satisfied. Remember, if you plant something that overgrows another, you can always move it later by transplanting. But positioning the plants before you begin digging can save you time down the road.

When you begin to dig, make certain the roots are not bound. Loosen the roots so they take hold quicker.

Mulching is recommended. On your new landscape area, place approximately 2-inches of deep of mulch. This will hinder weeds and help your soil stay moist.

Now add water! Give your plants a good soaking.

Once the garden is in, you can return to the free service of the West Virginia agricultural extension for questions on plant care. Join your local garden club and watch for free plant swap meets to enhance your landscaping.

It's spring, refresh your old landscaping

Is your older landscaping looking a bit straggle? Springtime is the perfect time to whip those beds into shape. Remember the three "Ps" – prune, pull and plant. Prune back the old plants, pull the weeds and add a few new plants to refresh your landscaping. Add a 2-inch base of fresh mulch. If your edging along your current landscaping has settled, pull up the rocks or bricks and straighten the edging.

Container gardening

If a new garden is out of the question due to health or space, try container gardening. Select a large flower pot, or a water tub or a basket. The rules are the same for containing gardening as in a flower bed: know your zone, select colors to contrast with your home and don't obstruct your entrance. Container gardening is a great way to add color and curb appeal.