Plants and insects are still sleeping

Don’t get too anxious about cleaning your yard for spring, says Gwen Funk, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in horticulture.

“Warmer temperatures may entice you to rake leaves, trim back flower stems or remove mulch, but both plants and insects are still sleeping and are not fooled by mother nature’s teasing temperatures,” she says.

Hold off on spring cleanup until temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Many native bees, butterflies and moths overwinter in dead in plant stems, in leaf litter or just below the soil surface, waiting for warmer weather.

Until then, Funk offers these suggestions for maintenance on warm days:

Rethink your attitude toward leaves

Too many leaves on your lawn can smother the grass, but it is OK to have 10%-20% of your lawn covered with a thin layer of leaves. These leaves will decompose and add nutrients to your soil.

Gently rake excess leaves and move them to your flower beds for a free source of mulch. Leave the leaves intact since shredding them may destroy hibernating critters.

Gently move the leaves around the base of the trees. Don’t pile the leaves directly around the trunk. If space allows, pile leaves in an outlying location to decompose naturally. In a year or so, you will have nutrient-filled mulch. If possible, do not send leaves to the landfill.

Old flower stems are OK

Many beneficial insects and pollinators are still developing in the hollow stems of your flowering plants. It is fine to trim the old flowering heads of plants, but do not cut the stems down to the ground. Cut them at varying lengths of 12 to 18 inches to accommodate the nesting bugs. Cutting the stems back a bit will expose a cavity that early emerging pollinators will find and use.

As the season progresses, new growth will cover these dead stems and hide them. Eventually, they will break down and release their nutrients back into the soil.

No-mow April

Delay mowing as long as possible to allow early spring flowers such as violets and clovers to bloom and provide crucial early food sources for pollinators. Consider breaking up your green carpet of lawn and adding low-growing flowers to provide nectar and pollen for pollinators. Even dandelions can provide some nutrients for these early-emerging pollinators.

Do not mow the lawn until there is at least 3 inches of new growth. Roots of the cool-season grasses are being established, and they need vigorous top growth to support good root development. A mowing height of 3.5 to 4 inches is critical at this time to discourage weed invasion and to support good root establishment. If weeds become an issue, try to use mechanical (hand pulling/hoeing) and cultural (correct mowing height) methods. Avoid using pesticides during this time. If pesticides are necessary, spot-treat the weeds, and use when pollinators are not as active (evening hours). Be sure to accurately identify the weed and follow all pesticide label recommendations.

Modify your landscape

Spring is a good time to think about new plants for your landscape. Remember to add diverse layers of habitat and try to include plants that create a variety of blooms from February to October.

There are many native plants you can add to your flower garden. You might also consider “green mulches” or native plants that grow 6 inches or less as a ground cover. Choose plants recommended for your USDA plant hardiness zone and are appropriate for your soil and light conditions. Remember to leave some bare ground for nesting bees and to create small brush piles for shelter.

After months of low light, dry air, and slow growth, March finally brings the shift your houseplants have been waiting for. This is the perfect moment to give them a little extra attention so they can stretch, grow, and thrive through spring and summer. Think of it as spring cleaning for your plants.

Start with a simple check-in

Before you repot or prune anything, take a slow look around your indoor garden. Check for yellow leaves, leggy stems, or roots poking from drainage holes. Many plants stretched toward any available winter light, so some might look a bit lanky.

A quick assessment will tell you what each plant needs: a trim, a new pot, or just a simple cleanup.

Turn up the light

Spring means more sunlight, but plants still need time to adjust. Ease them into brighter spots by moving them a little closer to windows over a week or two.

Jumping straight into strong sun can scorch tender leaves, especially on shade-loving plants like pothos, philodendrons, and ferns. Slow transitions keep them happy.

Clean leaves

Winter dust can settle on leaves, blocking light absorption. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth or a quick rinse in the sink for sturdier varieties helps plants breathe easier. They’ll look instantly refreshed and take in more light.

Time for a gentle cut

Pruning encourages fuller growth. Trim leggy stems just above a leaf node and remove tired or yellowing foliage.

No need for a major chop, a light spring trim redirects energy into healthy new growth. A few thoughtful cuts can revive even the most sluggish plant.

Repot if needed

Spring is ideal for repotting, but only if your plant truly needs more space. Look for roots circling inside the pot, pushing through drainage holes, or soil that dries out quickly.

Choose a pot one size larger and refresh the soil to give the roots room and nutrients.

Feed the growth

As daylight increases, plants shift back into growth mode. Resume fertilizing, but gently. A balanced fertilizer at half strength every 2 to 4 weeks is plenty to get them going again, like easing back into a routine after a long winter break.

Watch the water

With brighter days come more growth and more thirst. Check the soil more often and water when it feels dry an inch below the surface. Most houseplants prefer evenly moist, not soggy, soil. Let the plant (and the soil) guide you.

A fresh season begins

Spring houseplant care doesn’t require big changes, just a little attention and a few seasonal tweaks. With these small steps, your indoor jungle will reward you with brighter leaves, fresh growth, and a welcome sense of spring right inside your home.