When to Begin Spring Clean Up of Perennials

I left all my perennials standing for the winter. How soon should I cut them down?

Don't rush spring. The perennials not only provide winter interest but also winter housing for many beneficial insects, and help capture the snow for winter insulation. Start cutting back your perennials when the snow recedes and temperatures start to warm and hover at or above freezing. This is a great chore for those relatively warm sunny days when you are anxious to get outside and garden. Prune carefully if plants have begun to grow. And put them to work one more time by composting the debris.