In this reprisal of one of our very early episodes, we revisit spring cleanup with the added tricks and nuance we’ve learned along the way. It’s all about pacing yourself instead of rushing into full cleanup just because of a warm day.
Early spring is the perfect time to tackle the less pleasant jobs (hello, mushy leaves and grass cutting) while the weather is still cool and the bugs aren’t out yet. Work with the season, not against it — protect emerging plants, support habitat, and make the most of these comfortable days before the real growing (and sweating) begins
Tasks by Month:
March:
Water young trees
Tackle "Icky Leaves" piled on hard surfaces, near entrances, deep piles over spring plants
Seeds: research seed timing, purchase seeds that need to be started early, participate in a seed exchange
Clean out pots
Add compost and/or manure
April:
Clean up veggie gardens (if you skipped fall cleanup)
Build raised beds now (before heat & bugs)
Selective cutting of large stems, leave 8-10" for stem nesting bees
Rinse or install rain barrels
cut back sedges in high profile areas like borders but leave sedges alone in meadow style areas
Late April-early May:
Cleanup increases but avoid aggressive raking.
Focus on: deep leaf piles, bushy-form perennials
Use plant growth stages, not calendar dates, to guide cleanup.
Keep an eye on ornamental grasses and cut back when signs of green begin to show
Transplanting
Plants Mentioned:
Amsonia
Asters
Baptisia
Coneflowers
Goldenrod
Ironweed
Joe Pye weed
Lenten rose
Mountain mint
Pasque flower
Penstemon
Sedges
Switchgrass
Crocus
Vernal witchhazel
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Carrots
Dandelion
Garlic
Lettuce
Peppers
Strawberry
Sugar Baby watermelon
Monstera
Links:
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