Winter may still be causing havoc across large swaths of the country, but spring is coming, and home-improvement retailers are starting to prepare. That cold weather simply cannot last forever.

Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: HD) said Wednesday it expects to hire about 80,000 part-time workers for the spring season, the biggest selling season of the year. Rival Lowe’s Companies Inc. (NYSE: LOW) has not announced its plans yet. In 2013, the company had planned to hire 45,000 workers.

Spring is so important because warmer weather encourages consumers to start yard work, including planting in gardens, building decks and pruning trees. They also take on indoor projects, such as painting and installing laminate and hardwood flooring.

Home Depot said job opportunities are available on a market-by-market basis, based on individual store needs and geographical variance in climate. College students, retirees, veterans and reservists are encouraged to apply. The company’s statement said, “Spring is our peak hiring season, giving us the opportunity to find some of the best associates who are passionate about customer service.”

Home Depot is accepting applications online only at www.careers.homedepot.com. Home Depot generates about 52% of its revenue in the first and second quarters of its fiscal year, which ends in January.

Home Depot shares were up slightly to $76.74 Wednesday morning. They are down 6.8% for the year after rising 33% in 2013.

Lowe’s shares were also up slightly at $46.79. Its stock is down 5.6% for the year.

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