Mindful Spring Garden Cleanup

Spring equinox is upon us! Now that the days are getting longer and the weather a little warmer – you may find yourself eager to go out and tidy up your garden. Typically, when you think of cleaning up the garden in preparation of spring planting; you remove all the leaves, cut perennial stems down to the ground, put it all into leaf bags destined for the curb, and spread mulch.

However, there are many things happening beneath your feet and buried within the soil. Many of the beneficial pollinators and other insects are still deep in slumber waiting for the warmth of the sun. 

There are ways you can mindfully tidy up your garden without disturbing our lovely little insect friends. I’ll share some tips and tricks with you that will possibly shine light on a new way of thinking about your spring cleanup. 

Spring Garden Tips

1. Carefully cut your perennials

When cutting down your perennial stems – leave them at least 15 inches high. Many insects hunker down throughout winter in the hollow stems either as adults or pupae, like our native bees and many of the pest munching predators like syrphid flies, lacewing beetles, and parasitic wasps. Cutting them down too early disturbs them before they even get a chance to emerge. Try waiting until the days are consistently above 50 degrees for 7 consecutive days. Alternatively, if you just can’t stand looking at the old growth, go ahead and cut them back and loosely lay the stems somewhere they will not be bothered. 

2. Leave the leaves

When it comes to removing leaves, in my opinion the best option is to just leave them. Free mulch? Heck yeah. Resting within the piles are often: ladybugs, assassin bugs, damsel bugs, and precious luna moths. Adding leaf litter to your garden beds also provides a wealth of nutrients to your soil. Less work for you, free mulch, and free fertilizer – it’s a win all around. So, this season just leave the leaves be. 

3. Mulch later in the season

Feel free to get out there and start pulling weeds but try to hold off on mulching too early. Spreading mulch over your beds too early blocks the emergence of many insects nestled within the soil. Some examples include, hummingbird moth, soldier beetle, and many of the native bees. Once the weather warms and the soil dries out a little, mulch until your heart’s content. 

4. Prune with care

Take extra precautions when pruning back your woody perennials or shrubs. Often you may find a cocoon dangling from a branch. Some of our most beautiful moths and butterflies spend winter in a delicate cocoon. Allow any branches with a cocoon to stay intact. You can always prune later in the season. 

A proper spring garden clean up should not be a destructive process. By taking your time and being mindful, you and your garden can reap the many benefits of a healthy population of pest-munching beneficial insects and pollinators. Happy spring and happy planting!