01/25/2026
Delay winter garden cleanup until May to support overwintering pollinators! 🌼✨
Traditional winter cleanup can harm beneficial insects like native bees and butterflies, which rely on dead plant material for hibernation. Cutting back plants too early destroys their habitats and reduces natural pest control for spring.
Here’s a better approach:
Fall (Oct-Nov):
- Leave perennials and leaf litter.
- Avoid cutting hollow-stemmed plants.
Winter (Dec-Mar):
- Keep all plant material standing.
- Resist the urge to tidy up.
Spring (Late Apr-May):
- Wait until daytime temps hit 50-55°F before cutting stems.
- Leave some cut stems in your garden for late-emerging insects.
A "messy" garden is a functional habitat providing insulation for hibernating insects and food for birds. Plus, it enhances garden health by boosting pollination and pest control!
For those worried about appearance, focus cleanup on front areas while leaving borders for wildlife. 🐦🌿
Support our pollinators!
