Spring Clean Up

By this time in the spring most of us are itching to get outdoors and really get started in our yards. Oh, I know you vegetable gardeners already have your cool weather crops in. But, if you're like me, you've now done about every indoor project you can think of, you've read through seed catalogs, and you've checked with your local garden center, planning new plantings in your yard.

Since a hard frost is possible in Ohio, even into mid-late May, it's still a little too soon to plant new annuals. But, it's not too early to get things cleaned up in preparation for what's to come soon.

A productive, exciting growing season starts with tasks that are not glamorous, but oh, so necessary. First, go out to your beds and pick up the debris that has blown in from other people's yards. (I know those leaves blew in from down the street because you did such a good job of raking last fall!)

Rake any quantity of leaves that have scattered across you yard, too. These can hold moisture against the grass during the spring rainy season that can lead to a host of fungal diseases.

Also gather up fallen apples and similar tree debris that were not eaten by the birds, and take all of them to your compost pile. While you're their, give the pile its first good turn of the season.

Go back to your beds and edge them with a power edger or sharp spade. Check major plants - shrubs, etc. - for broken branches. Gather these and any branches that have fallen in your yard and add them all to your kindling pile for the last fires of winter.

Next, check your perennials. Pay close attention to those most recently planted and step carefully in the beds, since many don't have tops on them yet. Look for the ones that were "frost heaves" - driven up from the ground by the freezing and thawing cycles of the soil. Re-label while you're there, too. I know you think you'll remember every plant you've placed, but why bother trying to remember when you can just label them?

Now is also a good time to dig and divide any older established perennials that you didn't get to last autumn. This is a task that should be done every three to five years so don't be surprised if it's time again before you know it. If you're running out of space for all the plants, consider being a good neighbor and giving some away. Check with co-workers and family, too. If they aren't sure how to plant them, send them off to your favorite garden store for soil preparation instructions and tools.

Now, go to your garage or storage shed. Did you get your mower tuned up and the blades sharpened last fall as you promised yourself you would? If not, get it to the shop now before the rush so you are ready for the first cut of the summer - which could come at any time.

While you are in your garage or storage shed, make a list of tools that need to be repaired or replaced, and check your supply of fertilizers, pesticides, etc., so that you're prepared for the upcoming season.

You've cleaned and you're organized. You are now ready for an enjoyable, productive spring and summer.