Even if the weather doesn’t quite always seem spring-like in early March, it’s as if we can feel spring coming deep inside. Of course, for the most part we have had quite the warm winter so many of you are probably already itching to get your hands in the dirt. Now that March has come around – it’s time to start thinking about pre-spring chores.
We have to say that outdoor spring cleaning is much preferred for us to indoor spring cleaning. It’s a little early for most planting (except cool season crops such as Cabbage, Kale, & Broccoli) but it’s definitely not too early to get a start on our lawns, gardens, & landscapes.
Bird Feeders
Experts recommend cleaning your feeders once a month. Bacteria can easily breed which can be harmful for birds but if you haven’t given your feeders a clean this winter – now is the perfect time to do it. Pick up some fresh birdfood while you are it – the birds will love you for it!
To properly clean your feeders you should use a solution that is one part bleach and nine parts water, and you should take them completely apart. Use a bottle brush or a toothbrush to scrub all parts, inside and out. Let the feeders dry in direct sunlight.
While they are drying, you may want to clean the area where your feeders normally hang. Remove all seed hulls and thoroughly rake the ground. If you are thinking of setting up a new feeder, spring is the perfect time to do it.
Paths
If you have pavers and/or paths through your garden or landscape, they probably need a good cleanup from fall leaves & winter winds. Landscape edging might need to be straightened up.
Outdoor Pots
It’s a great time to freshen up your potting soil, pull out any stray weeds that might have blown in, and give the outsides of those pots a wipe down.
Weeds
Even when nothing else seems to grow, weeds sure do. Usually, they are easy to dislodge in damp March soil, so it’s a good time to get started. Try hand pulling existing weeds or spot spraying with a cool season weed killer. We recommend applying Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Grass Stopper in the landscape beds in late fall & early spring to help stop the cycle of germination on weeds that grow from seed.
After a winter mostly spent indoors, just getting out and working in the yard and garden can do wonders for your mind and get you excited for spring!
