Days are getting milder in Western Washington, but the nights and the soil are too cold and damp for most planting.

This is when the urge to plant seeds and fill containers with flowers becomes irresistible. But wait a bit. Feel your soil to make sure it is not waterlogged before poking seeds into the ground.

Ed Hume, the longtime king of Pacific Northwest gardening, recommends reading and follow the instructions on the back of the seed package.