Gardeners are restless because January has been colder and wetter than expected. While it’s not too early to finish a few garden jobs despite the cold and dreary weather, others should be put off until the warmer weather arrives. Pollinators that overwinter in leaf litter and stems should be encouraged. Pollinators can use leaves and stems from previous seasons as habitat.Bees hibernating underground and moths and butterflies that overwinter on the leaves benefit greatly from leaves left on the ground. Most hibernating pollinators will be protected if you keep your leaves on the ground until temperatures rise above 50 degrees F for five consecutive days.
Bees that build their nests in stems may not emerge until the middle of June or later. It is better for the bees if the stems are left alone. Any bees nesting in the stems will emerge soon, and the old stems will decay.
