We're on the cusp of spring, at winter's edge, hands ready and ears listening for the first tender bud to unfold. It's time to pull out propagation trays, seed packets and dream in colour again.

Are you feeling the chill in your bones yet? It feels cold, but it certainly has been a milder than usual Tasmanian winter. The forecast is for much of the same all through August, with an increased chance of unusually high daytime temperatures across the state. 

Don't let the early-flowering magnolias fool you, however. August is often the coldest month of the year with snow-topped mountains and sneaky frosts. Keep your tender plants protected, your baby seedlings indoors and your fleece-lined gloves on.