Tall boots are required footwear in my back yard from November to late April (and into May during particularly wet springs). As tempting as it is to get to work in my gardens during this time, it’s so important to stay off of wet soils. I’m working to rehab a portion of our lawn and walking on it when the ground is saturated would only make things worse. When we walk or push wheelbarrows and lawn mowers around on soggy soil, it compacts that soil, making it even harder for water to drain through it. Compacting the soil also makes it harder for the soil microorganisms to live, and if the microbiota ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. So consider it a cue from nature—focus your time and energy into the drier spots and give those wet soils a break! It might even lead to better-draining soils in the future if you do. Looking for other management strategies for tricky areas in your yard? Drop me a line at livinglandscapesmaine@gmail.com.