How to Remove Dead Pansies

Locate the dead or dying pansy plant among the plants that are still thriving.

Use your hands to isolate the dead pansy plant from the other plants by grabbing the entire leaf structure, including the stems of the dead plant, with one hand. Do not pull the plant from the ground if it is close to other plants as it can damage the root structure of the healthy plants.

Push the blade of the hand-held garden shovel into the ground around the base of the dead pansy plant while holding the plant with the other hand. Work around the plant, severing the roots of the dead plant until it can be easily lifted from the soil.

Pull the dead pansy plant from the ground, gently shake off any soil clinging to the roots, and dispose of the plant away from the garden. Disposing of the plant away from the garden is important in case the plant died from a disease that can spread to healthy plants.

Use your hands to spread the disturbed soil evenly, so that the garden remains attractive and the roots of neighboring plants are not exposed to the elements.