As area residents continue to do their part to social distance themselves to slow the spread of the coronavirus, a University of Illinois Horticulturalist says on nice days, we could spend some time doing garden prep for those summer gardens.

Candace Miller indicates the days at home are a great opportunity for several preparation opportunities but it is unlikely you'll find anyone in the office. Miller indicates the best way to get in contact with your local Extension professional is to seek out their email address at their website.

It's still a little wet outside to be taking up tilling efforts or even planting but Miller indicates now is a great time to begin getting some of those seedlings started. 

Garden prep can be tackled right now as well. Miller indicates pulling last year's plants and get lingering leaves raked up are a few of the things to get the area prepped for when you're ready to till and plant.

Early season vegetables that can be planted around this time would be lettuces, beets, and onions but Miller recommends waiting to plant other vegetables until our overnight low temperatures are not so close to freezing. 

Get more gardening tips by visiting extension.illinois.edu/dmp.