March is a transitional month in the garden. It's not really spring yet, but it's not winter anymore either. Although fall is the ideal time to plant, planting in the early spring still gives shrubs and trees enough time to establish a strong root system before the sweltering heat of summer arrives. Plant selection in the spring is usually better too.

For planting success at this time of year, follow these simple steps:

Prepare the soil and dig a big hole. The roots of new plants will have a hard time penetrating our rock hard clay soil, so lend them a helping hand. Break up the clay in the planting area and amend it with a generous amount of planting soil or soil conditioner. Next, dig the planting hole two to three times the width of the root ball. This will give the root system plenty of space to grow and flourish.

Loosen the roots. Inspect the root ball before planting. If planting a tree that is balled and burlapped, make sure that the root ball is in proportion to the size of the tree. A root system that is too small may not be able to support the tree or sustain it nutritionally. If planting a shrub or tree growing in a container, pull the plant from the pot and check to see if it is rootbound. If the roots are matted together or encircle the root ball, uncoil them before planting. When setting the plant in the hole, loosen the roots and spread them in an outward direction.

Don't plant too deeply. When placed in the planting hole, the top of the root ball should be slightly above ground level. Do not pile soil up around the main stem.

Water in moderation. The soil in the planting area should be kept consistently moist, but never soggy. Too much water is just as bad as too little water. You may think you're doing your plants a favor by watering them every day, when in fact, you may be drowning them. Plant roots need air just as we do. For best results, water thoroughly after planting. Thereafter water your new plants deeply about once a week.

Staking. It may be necessary to stake trees over four feet high or those planted on an incline. Staking helps to prevent the roots from shifting until they are strong enough to securely anchor the tree in the ground. Staking also helps to support the trunk of the tree. The trunks of young trees may not be sturdy enough to support their canopies. Staking lends support to top-heavy trees and helps to prevent the trunk from bending to the weight of the branches. Staking should be a temporary measure. Stakes should never remain longer than one year.