Rooted Ramblings: Fall cleanup– when less is more

Written by Debbie Barber, Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer

With fall upon us and winter just around the corner, we begin to feel the urge to make everything outside neat and tidy so when spring arrives, we are ready.

But wait! Have you considered the beneficial insects and birds and other critters who need shelter during the winter, and who are our garden allies?

In the winter, when food is scarce, birds find a reliable food source in gardens full of withered fruit and dried seed heads. While you are cleaning up your gardens and beds, consider leaving seed heads of native plants to allow birds to forage while other food sources are unavailable. Some examples include bee balm (monarda), coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and marigolds, as well as berries from crab apple trees and winterberry. Perennials to Leave Standing

It is important to save the stems of healthy plants. Hollow and pithy stems and twigs provide nesting sites for solitary bees, such as leafcutters and masons, as well as other insects. Some examples of good stem plants include rose campion, elderberry, joe-pye weed, and bergamot. Cut the stems off to about 12 inches. Hold off pruning until late spring or just let stems naturally decompose. If your plants are diseased, be sure to remove them. Leaving Leaves and Flower Stalks for Wildlife

Leave a little bit of open soil. A sunny spot of bare, mulch-free soil can host ground-nesting pollinators such as bumblebees. You don’t want too much open soil because that will result in erosion and nutrient loss. Soil can be covered with grass clippings, bark mulch, a cover crop, and leaves.

Let’s talk about leaves. If you use a mulching mower, and if you are preserving your lawn space, mulch the leaves in place. This not only cuts down on labor, but also returns nitrogen to the soil as the chipped leaves decompose. Don’t let a thick layer of leaves build up before you do this. For areas other than lawns, leaves can be an excellent source of mulch and can help amend the soil. They also provide nutrients, insulation, and important cover for overwintering caterpillars and eggs. I Didn’t Know That!: Leave the Leaves

Leave some rotting logs and save the snags. These will provide burrowing chambers for insects. They also attract winter birds.

Small brush piles can be the source of protection and habitat for small animals like frogs and toads, as well as bees and butterflies. If you have space, and code permits it, consider creating a brush pile. The Three S’s: Sanctuary, Shelter and Snacks

In readying your gardens and yards for winter, keep in mind that by doing less you may be doing more for pollinators. Insects find shelter under the cover of leaves and brush and a fresh snow blanket. Think about leaving a few overturned flowerpots. By doing these things you will help your pollinators rest and prepare themselves for next season’s vital work in growing foods and flowers.

We are all part of this complex web of creation that we call Earth. Let’s be mindful of all the little beings as we prepare for winter.

Ohio State University Extension Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer program. As OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, our articles will never endorse specific products or companies. Questions/comments/suggestions/want to find out more/become a PCMGV: 330-296-6432 • OSU PCMGV web • portco.mgv.oh@gmail.com • FB PCMGV • PCMGV Speaker’s Bureau