When the first signs of spring appear — like a 60-degree day after months of cold, snow and cloudy weather — it's tempting to get outside and start cleaning up your lawn and garden. But although nice weather can hit unseasonably early (even now, in February), it's important to know the correct time to start your yard cleanup.
Many pollinators spend the winter in the dead material you'll be clearing away, so if you clean up too soon, you could be inadvertently killing off bees, butterflies and other defenders of the natural ecosystem. That's why it's a good idea to wait until spring to do a yard or garden cleanup instead of doing it in the fall.
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Experts say you should wait until temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees — not those first few nice days followed by another dip into winter weather.
That means if you're in the Midwest, where temperatures were recently in the 70s but fell back into the 20s and 30s, it's still too soon.
LET YOUR GARDEN SLEEP IN Aluminum Composite Sign
Need a reminder not to jump the gun on garden cleanup? This fun, decorative sign will make sure you don't forget — and if you hang it somewhere visible to passersby, it can help educate your neighbors, too.
Walensee Heavy Duty Garden Rake with Stainless Steel Handle
When the time comes, this rake will make quick work of gathering up last year's debris so your garden can have a fresh start.
Premium Bypass Pruning Garden Shears
Clear away dead branches and overgrowth so shrubs and flowers can thrive. These pruning shears are sharp and high-quality with a comfortable cushioned handle.
This electric edge trimmer makes quick work of tidying the edges of your lawn, removing overgrowth and keeping sidewalks clear and clean.
Plant your flowers quickly and with less effort with this bend-free bulb planter with an automatic soil-release mechanism for fast planting.
Bloem Promo Watering Can: 2 Gallon Capacity
This watering can's 2-gallon capacity means you can water many plants without refilling, saving you time as you garden.
AUTOMAN Heavy Duty Garden Hose Nozzle
This hose topper has seven adjustable settings for watering plants, grass and more.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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