To clean debris or not

In the Garden

Ralph Purkhiser, Purdue University Master Gardener

Spring is coming. I have winter aconite, crocus and hellebore blooms at Sandhill Gardens. The buds are swelling on the early daffodils and the vernal witch hazel will soon be full of blossoms. While we are still a few weeks away from the vernal equinox, it is normal for these early harbingers of spring to give us an early glimpse of the bloom season that is fast approaching.

It is time for some decisions. A lot of debris from last year’s garden remains. That debris holds a lot of life. Many insects, both harmful and beneficial, spend the winter months in some form in the foliage left from last year’s garden. Some have been in a state of hibernation. Others have over-wintered as eggs that will hatch with the warmer weather and still others have over-wintered as pupa encased in a wide variety of structures. Some are hanging on leaves, while others have burrowed beneath piles of debris. The hollow stems of many spent flowers and seed stalks have become the winter lairs of many creatures. Natural purists urge us to refrain from removing the remnants of last year’s garden until after the temperatures are consistently in the fifties.

On the other hand, it would be nice to get rid of some of the insects that damage plants. Removal of debris from plants that were damaged last year by beetles could help protect the plants that will be grown in that area this year. Many plant diseases also over-winter in the debris and removing the debris now would help prevent diseases this year.

I would not dare to tell any gardener when he or she should clear out the debris, but I will share some of what guides my decisions at Sandhill Gardens. The number one consideration is what happened last year. If there were diseases in some plant material, I want to get rid of it. Actually, for the most part, that has already been done. That diseased material was removed last year and burned. If you did not do so, get that diseased foliage out now. If you cannot burn it where you live, bag it up and put it in the garbage. You do not want to add this debris to your compost bins, as most compost does not get hot enough to destroy the pathogens. The same goes for plants that were damaged by insects. Preventing infestations is better than trying to get rid of the insects later.

Location is the next consideration. In a garden the size of mine, clean-up cannot be done in a day. Therefore, it is necessary to do what can be done early. I have a lot of ornamental grasses and wildflowers that were left to provide food and shelter for the birds through the winter. They need to be cut back to make way for the new growth. If this debris is located in open ground, where there are no trees, shrubs or actively-growing plants, burning is the quickest way to get it down. I prefer to do this on a day when there is a little snow on the ground or when the ground is wet and there is little wind. It pays to be prepared with a garden hose stretched out in the area and it is best done with some help around. Burning usually results in rapid re-greening as soon as we receive a little rain. Of course, burning means that the creatures that this debris has harbored will not survive.

That is acceptable, since there is plenty of plant materials that are in locations where burning is not practical. That plant material must be cut and carted away. For the larger clumps, I prefer to use the brush cutter with a blade. This will make the work quicker and clean. Tying the debris in bundles before cutting will make it easier to cart off the material. I usually stack such debris in an area at the edge of the woods, where the insects in it will be able to complete their life cycles and emerge when their time comes. Later, when I have a free day, I will run it through my shredder and add it to a compost pile or use it for mulch.

There is a lot of work to get ready for spring, but take time to enjoy those gems that come early to cheer us along. If you do not have hellebores, aconite, crocuses and snowdrops, come and visit me at Sandhill Gardens. I love to share my garden.