Now that the calendar says April, maybe (just maybe) we can see some springlike weather. We’ve had enough rain to grow nice crops of rice, but most of us would rather not do that. Bring us some clear skies and sunshine and we’ll be happy.

Go ahead and get the rest of those seeds started indoors. Before you know it, we will be at our “last average frost date.” That’s May 14; also Mother’s Day.

Be sure to read the seed packet instructions as there are many variations: some need light to germinate, some need darkness, some need to be soaked overnight, and some do not transplant well. These should be direct seeded outdoors.

If you enjoy feeding the birds, be sure to clean your feeders thoroughly as they may have developed mold due to all the wet weather. Mold can be deadly to birds. While you’re at it, go ahead and scrub the birdbath too. If and when those songbirds return, you will be ready for them.

Another casualty to all the rain may be some of your irises. I’m finding some that are completely rotten, rhizome and all. Just about the only way to kill irises is to keep them constantly wet. If most of the rhizome is still intact, dig it up, cut out the rotted sections and dip into a 10-to-1 bleach solution. (10 parts water to 1 part bleach.) Let them dry thoroughly before replanting. You may be wise to plant them in a different spot, just to make sure.

April is the recommended time to trim your rose bushes. First, take off all the old leaves and destroy them as they can harbor diseases. Then go ahead and trim each bush if needed. Take out any crossed-over branches and any with dark-colored areas. These could indicate a disease. Unfortunately, roses are prone to many of these.

Now is a good time to trim back those clematis vines. As you know, they aren’t all the same. Hey, that would be way too easy. If you don’t know what “group” your clematis vine is in, you can pretty much go by this: If the vine is an early bloomer, trim very little as that means it blooms on “old wood.” If the vine is a late bloomer, you can cut it almost to the ground as that means it is a “late bloomer” and blooms on “new wood.” Old wood just means that part of the vine grew last summer while new wood means just what it says: new growth this spring.

A lot of us are seeing huge areas of moss in our lawns. To combat this, you will need an iron-based moss killer. Try to keep it off your sidewalks and patio as this stuff will stain. Bayer’s 2 in 1 Moss and Algae killer is touted as non-staining.

Most area greenhouses open on or about April 1. They can be trusted to give good advice and won’t try to sell you plants that are not hardy for our area. Happy shopping!

March came in like a lamb so it follows that it will go out like a lion. I’m writing this before the end of the month, so I don’t know what it will be. Keeping my fingers, (and my eyes) crossed.

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Elaine Cerny has gardened most of her life, starting in 4-H. She has belonged to garden clubs in three states and is currently serving as secretary for the River City Gardeners Club in Post Falls. Her column appears in The Press every other Sunday from early March until late October.