6 Reasons An Ecologically-Minded Spring Garden Clean-Up is Important
But Why is an Ecologically-Minded Spring Garden Clean-Up Important?
Spring has arrived and hopefully you’re integrating at least a few ecological alternatives to the standard Spring garden clean-up I suggested in the first post of this series and at the correct time as covered in the second post.
Or maybe you’re on the fence as to whether or not to shake up old, tried and true methods. That’s fair. Change is hard, but I hope the 6 reasons listed below will encourage you to consider adopting a few ecological practices this year.
Reason One: Soil Health and Microbial Life
As most gardeners know, soil is everything. Simple steps you can take during Spring clean-up in the garden will support healthy soil life, which in turn will create happy and healthy plants:
Preserve the leaf mould layer - Leaf litter decomposes into rich organic matter that nourishes the soil and supports microbial life.
Avoid excessive raking or turning of soil – Disturbing soil too much disrupts mycorrhizal fungi networks and beneficial microbes.
Use composted plant material as mulch – Instead of bagging up last year’s debris, shred and use it as a natural mulch to retain moisture and nutrients.
Reason Two: Support for Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Populations
This is crucial. Insects like bees are keystone species and provide ecological services necessary for the reproduction of 60-90% percent of the world’s flowering plants. Without bees, the entire food chain would be affected. Insect numbers are declining. Plus, you probably planted those native flowers and grasses to support our little friends, so remember:
Delay cutting back perennials (I know I sound like a broken record) - Many pollinators overwinter in hollow stems; wait until temperatures consistently reach 50°F (10°C) before removing last year’s growth.
Check for overwintering caterpillars and chrysalises – Butterflies and moths often attach themselves to dead stems or plant debris.
Leave some bare soil patches – Ground-nesting bees need open soil to build their nests.
Reason Three: Birds and Other Wildlife Need Our Support Too
Did you know Woodpeckers are considered a keystone species? Birds play an important role in plant reproduction as pollinators and seed dispersers. We can’t live without birds. A few things you can do to support birds include:
Leave seed heads on native plants (Yes, that again) – Goldfinches and other birds rely on seeds for late-winter and early-spring food sources.
Keep brush piles intact until later spring – Small mammals, birds, and insects use them for shelter.
Provide fresh water sources – Melting snow can be an unreliable water source for early wildlife; a shallow dish of water helps birds and pollinators.
Reason Four: Plant and Habitat Conservation Go Hand in Hand
By fostering a healthy habitat (In this case, your garden) you’re providing essential resources and conditions for plants to thrive. When plants thrive, wildlife thrives. Keep these things in mind:
Remove invasive plants first – Prioritize pulling non-native invasives before they set seed and spread further in the growing season.
Be mindful when cutting back grasses – Many native grasses shelter beneficial insects and their eggs. If cutting back, leave some clumps standing.
Replant or relocate displaced native seedlings – Some native perennials reseed naturally; before weeding, check if they’re beneficial species.
Reason Five: Composting and Waste Education Makes a Difference.
You have in your garden what you already need for happy plants. Blanketing of mass-produced fertilizers isn’t necessary. Instead:
Use natural pruning debris as mulch – Small branches and plant trimmings can be used to create habitat layers or slow soil erosion.
Don’t burn or trash plant material unnecessarily – Burning releases carbon and sending garden debris to landfills removes organic matter from the ecosystem. Instead, compost it or leave it to decompose naturally.
Reason Six: Water Management and Climate-Smart Gardening
These principles can be applied to most gardens. Keeping on top of this during Spring clean-up could save you time and money in the future. Plus, your plants will be happier with proper water management. Remember this Spring to:
Check for signs of erosion before heavy rains – Stabilize soil with plant debris or add native groundcovers to prevent runoff.
Refresh rain gardens and bioswales – Remove excess debris that clogs water infiltration areas but leave beneficial organic matter.
Avoid compacting wet soil – Walking on or tilling soggy ground leads to soil compaction, which reduces root growth and water absorption.
Leave fallen wood in place when possible – Decomposing logs provide habitat for insects, fungi, and small mammals.
Reduce early mowing – Lawn alternatives like clover or native groundcovers provide early-season nectar and habitat.
Use hand tools instead of power tools when possible – Reduces emissions, noise pollution, and soil compaction.
This series has focused on the how, when, and why of embracing the gentle art of ecological Spring clean-up in the garden. Give yourself a pat on the back if you’ve read all three posts so far. Many of the simple steps you’ll see are repeated because a small change can work on multiple levels!
It takes a while to change our vision of what is beautiful.
If “no leaves, fresh mulch, and low-cut grass” has been your beauty standard, it will take time to accept dried leaves and faded perennial stems as beautiful simply because they signify your garden is a thriving ecosystem. But trust me, you’re on your way!
In the next post I’ll share plant layer-specific best practices for an ecologically-friendly Spring garden clean-up. Groundcovers, woodlands, and more will also be covered. Make sure to not miss out on the next post by signing up below.