Marcela put mr in your spring trade list maybe we can get togeather for a nice trade also have stella de oras and another everbloming day lilie happy returns however ive got a lot of other plants send me a e mail Hoitider

I would just leave them alone. As long as they're not dead, those leaves will still continue to photosynthesize and provide energy for the plant. Plus, letting the leaves die back naturally will give the plant a chance to reabsorb much needed nutrients and chlorophyll back from those leaves, to reuse again in the new growth. Much the same way that trees do with their leaves in Autumn (causing them to change color), so they can reuse them again in Spring when they put out new growth. Without having to expend any more resources than what is needed.

I made a mistake and left my bag of potting compost under my deck stairs. The snow is up to the second step (was the third). Three feet in one day, a few days later another foot. The town and my neighbors pushed street snow into my front yard (huge mounds), so I'm a bit concerned about the plantings there. This town appears not to have a workable plan for big snowfalls- first place I've lived that didn't. Town meeting Monday. Should be interesting. Got to do an inventory of my seeds. Last year's garden was a bust because of all the rain, so I am thinking of putting in some raised beds, unless I win the lottery and move. Love my house, like the village, but I don't like *living* in the village. I'm a country girl. I need more space around me. Winter sowing just does not work here-- weather is too variable. I don't usually start plants because I have to use either my living room windows, which are owned by my cats, or the window slider in my daylight basement, which is not quite warm enough. But there are a few cold weather vegies I figured I could start down there, I made a mistake and left my bag of potting compost under my deck stairs, where it is invisible. The snow is up to the second step (was the third). Three feet in one day, a few days later another foot. The town and my neighbors pushed street snow into my front yard (huge mounds), so I'm a bit concerned about the plantings there. This town appears not to have a workable plan for big snowfalls- first place I've lived that didn't. Town meeting Monday. Should be interesting. But... in spite of all the snow, the lengthening days promise spring. Reading catalogs, lusting after an attached greenhouse, looking at snow banks and seeing flowers. My house a few days ago: Dayle Ann

You have got to fertilize the plants throughout the season, regardless of what Mel says. I use synthetic, and at the suggested frequency/rate that my local extension office suggests for any variety of plant. Make a big pile of leaves, grass clippings, and other ingredients - then put a big tarp over it. Weight the corners down with cinder blocks, and you should do pretty good. EG