Finance (and, apparently, horticulture) blog Get Rich Slowly explains that February is the right time to start planning your vegetable garden and offers tips for beginner growers. For example, test your soil:

Many states offer free soil testing, which will tell you how to amend the soil if nutrients or organic matter are lacking, or if the pH of the soil needs to be adjusted. Your county’s Master Gardener program may also offer this service.

Lots of good advice here, especially the stuff on annuals versus perennials. Mostly it just whets your appetite for winter to get the hell over with already. Come on, spring! — Rick Broida

Gardening 101: Plan Today for Summer Success [Get Rich Slowly]