Why should you let your garden sleep in?

Letting your garden sleep in has several benefits. It’s beginning to feel a lot like Spring with these beautiful days we’re having (in between white-out blizzards and sub-zero temps) – and it is oh, so tempting to get outside and clean up your garden space. There are, however, some good reasons to consider waiting a bit before diving into your cleanup project. Delaying garden cleanup can have a positive impact on soil health, water efficiency and pest control, as well as benefitting wildlife throughout the winter.

Experts recommend delaying cleanup until daytime temperatures are 50 degrees or more for 7 to 10 days in a row. Here are some good reasons to let your garden sleep in this Spring.

Nutrient Cycling –

When leaves, plant debris and organic matter are allowed to decompose naturally, it helps replenish essential nutrients in the soil. This promotes healthier plant growth.

Microbial Diversity –

Undisturbed soil creates an environment where microbes – which play a key role in breaking down organic matter and improving soil structure – can thrive.

Wildlife Habitat –

By leaving some or all of your garden undisturbed through the winter, your garden provides shelter and a food source for wildlife, birds, butterflies, and even beneficial insects such as ladybugs and bees., which can help control pests by preying on them naturally. A balanced ecosystem with a variety of plant and insect species encourages natural predator-prey relationships, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

More Efficient Water Usage –

Allowing leaf litter and plant debris to remain on the soil surface acts as a natural mulch. This can help retain moisture and reduce evaporation, leading to a less-frequent need for watering.

Delaying garden cleanup can have benefits beyond just the aesthetics of a well-manicured garden. Allowing nature to take its course creates a healthier and more sustainable garden environment. So, if you’re already feeling the urge to tidy up your garden, consider these advantages of waiting and let nature work its magic.

When you are ready to get going and get growing, remember that Full Features’ full service Garden Center has everything you need for your lawn and garden – tools, soil amendments, mulch, fertilizer, compost, watering tools and more – and a Pro Staff that has the answers to all your lawn and garden questions.  We hope to see you soon.