Pollinators are Still Sleeping

Ready to Get in Your Garden Beds?

If you’re still wearing your winter coat, hat, and mittens it’s not yet time to get your rake out of the garage for spring yard cleanup!  Most pollinators are in a state of “diapause” or a dormant period over winter. There are chrysalides still clinging to last fall’s dried standing plant branches and stems.  You may be seeing bumble bees and ground-nesting bees surface as trees and shrubs begin to bloom, but they still need cover during chilly nights and during spring showers. 60 – 70 percent of Minnesota’s native bees are ground nesters.  Once plants have started to peek out and temperatures begin to warm, watch for small holes and tunnels that might be homes for ground nesting bees. Mining bees, mason bees, carpenter bees, and bumble bees are sometimes out in early April, but other species like sweat bees usually hide until the weather warms up in May.  That’s why it is important to leave last year’s leaves and mulch to provide cover for both plants and pollinators against late frosts.  You really don’t want to wake the pollinators too soon; they could freeze their cute little behinds off.

When to Begin Spring Clean-up

This year the spring equinox (the first day of spring) fell on March 20th.  You’ll truly know when spring arrives when the snow has melted and the nighttime temps are consistently in the 50s (Fahrenheit) and the daytime temps are in the high 50s and 60s.  In addition, soil temperatures should be in the 50s as well. 

Another reason to look out your window at your ugly garden longer than you’d like to, is the leftover leaves and mulch protect perennials against frost and freeze damage.  Walking around in your garden beds too early can cause the damp/wet soil to become compacted.

What to Do While You’re Waiting

     If you’re just dying to get outside, here are a few tips to keep you busy.

  • Collect soil for a soil test. The University of Minnesota does testing.  Just go online to soiltest.cfans.umn.edu for information
  • Stretch your legs and back for the upcoming strenuous gardening season by picking up dead branches and sticks.
  • If you have a dog … The snow has probably uncovered another pick-up chore!
  • Start flower seeds indoors.

     Don’t be too anxious to wake up the pollinators!

Sources:  University of Minnesota Bee Lab 

                  Savvy Gardening, Spring Garden Clean-up Done RIGHT