I always clean off my garden by now if it's not too soggy. Waiting with the veg areas until ready for planting keeps weeds down, though. If you have any plants that aren't quite hardy here, though, I'd keep them protected awhile yet.

We cleaned up some of the garden last weekend (the crocus were hidden under the leaves!) and things are doing fine so far. I'd say go ahead if plants are emerging, but leave it in place if you don't see any action yet. Some plants are hardier than others, and they know who they are. They'll let you know when they're ready.

I do my spring clean up in mid-March, weather permitting. After removing the dead plant growth, I use fresh mulch to blanket up to the crowns of the plants. I think this helps keep the plants root zone protected from the heaving of freezing and thawing I usually leave the fall protection (compost mixed with leaves) around my roses until the weather is more stable.

Em

We've had some early spring rains and the garden has really awoken. Can't decide whether to work out there this morning or go to the QCCA Lawn & Garden Show!