I do as much clean-up as possible in fall. I yank the annuals, leaving just a few roots for the worms. I cut back most perennials, leaving just a couple of inches height as mulch. Those short stems also snag leaves, keeping them around as mulch. I compost as much as possible but I trash most seed heads because I have such a problem with reseeding. I collect fall leaves from my neighbors, and mulch beds with leaves, sometimes mix in a few grass clippings, too. I used to leave seed heads for birds but the reseeding flowers became ridiculous. I also dump the used potting mix from summer pots in the compost or flower beds.
When spring comes, it doesn't take as long to clean up what's left, except of course, weeding. I try to get done early because I plant out my wintersown seedlings pretty early.
Fall clean-up will be tough for me this year. I've scheduled carpal tunnel surgery for Oct 10 (I think). I'm not supposed to use my right hand much at all for 10 days.
I suspect some stuff will have to be delayed until spring.
Karen
