Nursery Management February 2018 Departments - Front Lines Take these steps to ensure plants get what they need to come out strong in spring. February 8, 2018 Proper care of plants heading into dormancy can lighten the load when spring comes. Healthy, well-fertilized plants that go dormant in the fall have a much better chance of coming out strong in spring. A good start: Cutting back and cleaning up grasses prior to or during dormancy—it really pays off in spring.