Many beneficial insects
overwinter under leaves, inside the hollows of plant stems, on
branches and in the soil of your garden. Insects are an important
part of your local ecosystem pollinating ¾ of all flowering plants
and 1/3 of the foods we enjoy. Since 1989 there has been a 75%
decline in the insect population. Good bugs eat bad bugs and all bugs
provide food for fish, amphibians and birds. 98% of all songbirds
need insects to feed their young. Ideally, garden clean up should not
start until outside temperatures are around fifty degrees and the
soil is dry (mid-April to mid May). Spring clean with care, gently
removing leaves so not to disturb ground nesting bees, overwintering
butterflies, and predatory (good) insects. Avoid bagging yard waste,
instead, place it in a compost bin or in a pile off to the side for
late emerging insects. Lastly, avoid mulching to soon making it hard
for soil loving insects from emerging.
“No winter last forever: no
spring skips it's turn”. - Hal Borland
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