By Blake Jackson
Gardeners eager to tidy their yards at the first hint of warm weather may want to slow down, according to University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Gwen Funk.
“Warmer temperatures may entice you to rake leaves, trim back flower stems or remove mulch, but both plants and insects are still sleeping and are not fooled by mother nature’s teasing temperatures,” Funk said.
Funk recommends waiting to begin major yard work until temperatures stay consistently above 50°F. Many pollinators, including native bees, butterflies and moths, spend the winter inside plant stems, beneath leaf litter or just under the soil surface. Cleaning too early can disrupt their development.
In the meantime, homeowners can take a lighter approach to yard care on warmer days. Leaves covering about 10%-20% of the lawn are not harmful and can actually benefit soil health as they break down and release nutrients.
Excess leaves can be gently raked and moved to garden beds to act as natural mulch. However, Funk advises leaving the leaves whole rather than shredding them, as insects may still be sheltering inside.
Flower stems should also remain largely intact for now. It is acceptable to remove old flower heads, but stems should be cut to varying heights of about 12 to 18 inches instead of being trimmed down to the ground. These hollow stems provide valuable nesting spaces for early-emerging pollinators.
Funk also encourages delaying mowing in early spring. Allowing plants such as violets, clovers and even dandelions to bloom provides an important food source for pollinators emerging after winter. When mowing does begin, grass should be at least 3 inches tall, with a mowing height of 3.5 to 4 inches to support healthy root development and reduce weed pressure.
Finally, spring is a good time to plan landscape improvements, including adding native plants and creating diverse habitats that provide blooms and shelter for pollinators throughout the growing season.
Photo Credit: istock-herreid
Categories: Missouri, General