Clearing out untidy garden pit (9)

I believe the answer is:

departing

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'clearing out' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with motion as well as being present participle verbs.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'untidy garden pit' is the wordplay.
'untidy' indicates an anagram.
'garden'+'pit'='gardenpit'
'gardenpit' anagrammed gives 'DEPARTING'.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.