Winterizing your garden involves striking a delicate balance between protecting plants from pests and ensuring beneficial insects have a safe place to overwinter. While it’s tempting to tidy up and get rid of anything that could harbor pests, too much tidiness can inadvertently harm the very creatures that help keep your garden healthy. So, how can you keep your garden pest-free while maintaining a wildlife-friendly environment? Here’s what you need to know.
Soil Care: Cover or Expose?
One of the most debated topics in winter garden care is whether to cover the soil or leave it exposed. In most cases, it’s best to keep the soil covered. Mulching with organic materials such as compost, leaf mold, or garden waste helps protect soil from erosion and provides a habitat for beneficial soil organisms like earthworms and ground beetles. These creatures play a key role in keeping soil healthy and aerated.
However, in areas where pest problems have occurred, you can expose the soil temporarily to reduce pest populations. For example, during cold snaps, rake back mulch to allow frost to reach pests hiding beneath the surface, or lightly fork the soil to expose larvae to hungry birds. Around fruit trees, bushes, and canes, make sure to rake up any fallen leaves that may harbor pests or diseases.
To Weed or Not to Weed?
When it comes to weeding, timing and the type of weed matter. Late autumn and early winter are ideal for tackling perennial weeds that have slowed their growth. Be thorough and remove their roots to prevent regrowth. However, don’t rush to clear annual weeds such as deadnettle and bittercress. These plants can provide valuable habitat for beneficial insects and protect soil over winter. Just be sure to remove them before they seed, to avoid future weed problems.
Allowing self-seeding flowers like calendula or nigella to grow can also be beneficial, as they provide early blooms and attract helpful insects come spring. Similarly, leaving a patch of nettles untouched can be a food source for butterflies and an attractive spot for ladybugs, which help control pests.
Protecting Fruit Trees from Pests
Fruit trees, particularly those with rough bark, can harbor pests such as aphids and scale insects. After the leaves have fallen, consider applying a winter tree wash—a natural, plant or fish oil-based treatment—to the bare branches. This should be done on a calm, windless day to avoid spray drift, and only if pest issues were a problem the previous season.
Another method to protect trees is to apply tree barrier glues or grease bands around the trunks. These sticky barriers help prevent winter moth caterpillars from climbing up to lay eggs in the tree canopy. Grease bands work well on smooth-barked trees, while glues are better suited for trees with rough bark.
Clean Your Greenhouse
Winter is the perfect time to clean your greenhouse or cold frame. Clear out all equipment, pots, and trays, and wash them thoroughly. Clean every corner and crack, using a natural disinfectant or a specific greenhouse cleaner. Don’t forget to clean the glass to allow as much light in as possible during the darker months.
Creating Spaces for Beneficial Bugs
To help beneficial insects thrive over winter, leave parts of your garden a little wilder. Allow grass to grow longer, as caterpillars and other insects will bury themselves in the thatch. Leave hollow stems and fallen leaves where they are, as these provide crucial shelter for overwintering bugs. Old seed heads offer food for birds and a place for ladybugs and other beneficial insects to rest. You can cut back these plants in early spring, just before new growth begins.
If you have space, consider adding bug hotels or creating piles of logs and stones. These structures provide additional shelter for insects, small mammals, and amphibians like toads.
Striking the Right Balance
The key to winterizing your garden is to tackle pest problems where necessary but avoid going overboard. While it’s important to manage pest numbers, make sure you’re also providing space for beneficial insects to thrive. By maintaining a balance between protecting your plants and nurturing the wildlife that helps your garden flourish, you’ll ensure a healthier, more vibrant garden come spring.
Do you have any tips for managing pests while supporting beneficial insects? Share them in the comments!