{"id":329,"date":"2025-01-10T20:27:36","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T21:27:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/?p=329"},"modified":"2025-02-20T17:14:02","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T17:14:02","slug":"7-winter-gardening-tips-to-support-pollinators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/10\/7-winter-gardening-tips-to-support-pollinators\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Winter Gardening Tips to Support Pollinators"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pollinators\u2014 including bees, butterflies, birds and bats\u2014are essential for healthy ecosystems and our global food supply:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">According to <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wwf.org.uk\/learn\/fascinating-facts\/bees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">WWF<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, almost 90% of wild plants and 75% of global crops depend on animal pollination.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/peoples-garden\/pollinators#:~:text=Three%2Dfourths%20of%20the%20world&#039;s,bees%20help%20increase%20crop%20yields.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">USDA<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> says one out of every three mouthfuls of food depends on pollinators, as do half of the world\u2019s oils, fibers and raw materials.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pollinators also prevent soil erosion and increase carbon sequestration. But habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change have pushed many pollinators to the brink of species collapse. <\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ipbes.net\/news\/Media-Release-Global-Assessment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">40%<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> of insect pollinator species are at risk of extinction globally. Some even more so: in North America, the <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.worldwildlife.org\/species\/monarch-butterfly\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">monarch butterfly<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> has experienced a significant decline, with populations decreasing by <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.worldwildlife.org\/stories\/migratory-monarch-butterfly-now-classified-as-endangered?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">more than 80%<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> over the past three decades.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_271895\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-271895\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-271895 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Monarch butterflies\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_458577929.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-271895\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Monarch butterflies<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Beyond Bees: Which Animals Pollinate?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other animals\u2014even <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/africa\/wild-madagascar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">lemurs<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, possums and reptiles\u2014pollinate plants that sustain ecosystems.<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pollinators visit flowers <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">in search of<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> food, mates, shelter, nest-building materials, and more. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The energy that powers most pollinators comes from the sugars in nectar and the proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals in<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0pollen grains.<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">As they move, pollinating animals transport pollen from plant to plant in interactions critical to the reproductive system of most flowering plants. It\u2019s a partnership that most plants and pollinators require for survival.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_271893\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-271893\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-271893 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Pallas&#039;s Long-tongued Bat \" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_203211609.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-271893\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pallas\u2019s Long-tongued bat<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Which pollinators spend winter in the garden?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">While spring and summer are typically peak pollinator seasons due to the number of blooming plants, weather conditions, animals coming out of hibernation and migration, <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">work to support pollinators should not stop when temperatures drop.<\/span><\/strong> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">For butterfly species that do not migrate, strategies include surviving the winter in a dormant phase in cocoons, as caterpillars, and some can even survive as mature adults.<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bumblebees and honeybees are two types of bees that overwinter in our gardens:<\/span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Honeybees<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> overwinter as an entire colony inside of a beehive. When the temperature drops below 50\u00b0F, honeybees stop foraging and begin to surround the queen bee in the central part of the hive. The workers protect the queen from the cold temperatures by shivering, which raises the temperature to around 80\u00b0F and then 98.6\u00b0F when the queen begins to lay eggs again. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Honeybees consume their stored honey throughout the winter <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">so they can produce the necessary amount of<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> body heat required to maintain a constant temperature in their cluster.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-271896 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"honey bee, bumble bee, pollinator\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_1118764225.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">For <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">bumblebees<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, all of the worker bees and the old queen bee die before winter starts, leaving the young queens as the only surviving members of the colony. If the young queen bumblebees haven\u2019t achieved a certain weight before winter, they will likely not survive, which is why <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">it\u2019s important for them to find<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> many nectar-rich flowers in the fall.<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">For <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">native solitary bees<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, it is common for females to lay eggs in underground nests (mining bees, sweat bees, polyester bees) or in sealed and insulated cavities aboveground (leafcutting bees, mason bees). These eggs then hatch and survive the winter as dormant adults waiting to emerge in the spring or as developing pupae kept safe and warm inside nests. Once the weather is warm enough, emerged females will find their <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">own<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> independent nesting sites and lay the next generation of eggs.<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Some <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">hummingbirds<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> that live in warmer areas like California do not migrate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-271894 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Hummingbird\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_364307369.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Different species of <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">butterflies<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> hibernate at different stages of their life cycles; the caterpillar stage is when most butterflies overwinter. Many of these hibernating caterpillars individually attach themselves to leaves or tree branches and wrap themselves in a tube-like shelter made of the leaf. <\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Other species, like the <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">tawny emperors<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, gather in small groups and huddle in dried, curled-up leaves to overwinter.<\/span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Moths<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, on the other hand, tend to overwinter as eggs, but for the few species that overwinter as pupas, they make warm cocoons underneath the ground or harbor in cellars, caves, sheds or even houses.<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pollinators can be overwintering all over your garden!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-271899 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"snow covered flower bulbs\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_74120667.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Expert Advice to Support Overwintering Pollinators<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">I recently asked a long-time friend, California-based environmental designer Leigh Adams, whose work with water optimization, soil remediation and regenerative landscapes <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">is featured<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> at the\u00a0Los Angeles County Arboretum &amp; Botanical Garden and Metabolic Studio\u2019s Farmlab on the <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.metabolicstudio.org\/bending-the-river\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Los Angeles River<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">:<\/span> <strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What can other home gardeners and I do in the fall and winter to support pollinators <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">year-round<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">?<\/span><\/em><\/strong> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Here are\u00a0<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">seven impactful ways to support pollinators through the winter<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> while building a healthier, more sustainable garden ecosystem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-271901 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"red fox in a garden\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_495747193-1.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">1. Chop &amp; Drop to Protect Pollinators &amp; Soil<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Leigh\u2019s first <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">piece of<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> advice was: <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Resist the urge to tidy up\u2014or do it differently.<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> She calls it The Chop &amp; Drop, saying: <\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201c<\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We want to tidy it up, but getting rid of organic material is exactly the opposite of what we should do. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Instead of cutting plants back and hauling them away, trim and then chop them up and let them drop to the ground, where they become mulch and provide <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">exactly the nutrients those plants<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> need.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> We rake, blow and then add fertilizer when <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">what we need is<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> that natural mulch, restoring and putting carbon back into the soil.\u201d<\/span><\/em> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pollinators rely on habitats created in the fall and winter to survive, and with thoughtful preparation, we can help them thrive in the colder months. From wildflower seeds <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">to h<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00fcgelkultur beds, small actions can make a lasting difference.<\/span> <em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cSome pollinators stay under leaves, which is why the habitat material is so important, and if you want it to look better, there\u2019s no reason you can\u2019t sculpt that into a spiral or make a mound that looks like a mouse\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-271902 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"wildflower garden\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_279228226.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">2. Wildflower Seeds for a Pollinator-Friendly Spring<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Seeding local native wildflowers as the leaves fall mimics nature\u2019s rhythm. Seeds naturally drop to the ground, rest under debris, and germinate when spring temperatures rise. Fall and winter sowing provides early-season food sources for emerging pollinators.<\/span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Why It\u2019s Important:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Wildflowers support pollinators with nectar and pollen at crucial points in their life cycles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Native plants are uniquely suited to local climates, requiring less water and care than exotic species.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-271903 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"woman is manufacturing seed balls or seed bombs on a wooden table, flower field in the background\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_276831672.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to Do It:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Choose native wildflower seeds<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Tools like the\u00a0Native\u00a0Plant\u00a0Finder\u00a0can help identify species ideal for your region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Spread seeds gradually<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Scattering seeds over several weeks creates staggered blooms, providing continuous nourishment for pollinators.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Make Seed Balls<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Seed balls are a simple, effective way to ensure wildflower seeds survive through winter and sprout in the spring. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This activity is also<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">fun <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">way<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to engage families and communities in pollinator conservation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Leigh loves making seed balls with classes and her grandkids and suggests it\u2019s a family activity any time of the year.<\/span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Why It\u2019s Important:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Protects seeds from being eaten by birds or rodents.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ensures seeds germinate during optimal conditions, enhancing growth success.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-271905 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"seed balls\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_508600141.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to Make Them:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mix clay-like soil, compost, and wildflower seeds into small balls.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Let them dry completely, then scatter them in gardens or public spaces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Adams shares two tips:\u00a0<\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cSeed balls make great gifts or party activities. Kids can create butterfly or hummingbird mixes to take home in used egg cartons, spreading beauty and supporting pollinators in their neighborhoods.\u201d<\/span><\/em> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cNever plant all your wildflower seeds at once because you want them to come up in sequence and bloom <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">for a much longer period<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-271904 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Three Seed ball plantation. Seed bombs on dry soil. Selective focus\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_484515607.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">3. Build a Hugelkultur Bed to Support Pollinators<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hortmag.com\/gardens\/hugelkultur-puts-garden-debris-to-good-use-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Hugelkultur<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2014an ancient technique using layers of decaying wood and organic matter to create mounds\u2014offers an eco-friendly way to recycle garden debris while enriching your soil and supporting pollinators.\u00a0 Work with your site to determine the best <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">placement<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> for a hugel.<\/span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Why It\u2019s Important:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Hugelkultur beds retain moisture and nutrients, reducing the need for additional fertilizers or irrigation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The decomposing materials create a micro-ecosystem that supports pollinators, fungi, and beneficial insects.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_271907\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-271907\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-271907 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"H\u00fcgelkultur Gardening Step 5 Build the Mound with Compost and O\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_508600805.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-271907\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">H\u00fcgelkultur<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to Build One:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Gather materials<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Use logs, branches, leaves, and compost. Avoid using walnut or cedar, which can inhibit plant growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Layer the mound<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Start with large logs, then add smaller branches, organic debris, and soil.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Top it off<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Cover with soil and mulch for a nutrient-rich surface.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Adams explains the beauty of <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">hugelkultur<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">:\u00a0<\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cIt mimics the forest floor, turning garden debris into an environment that nurtures life while reducing waste. It\u2019s a simple way to replicate the natural cycles that support pollinators.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_271906\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-271906\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-271906 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"H\u00fcgelkultur in the winter\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_489558795.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-271906\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">H\u00fcgelkultur in the winter<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">4. Leave the Leaves for Pollinators<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Raking and bagging leaves might seem tidy, but it robs pollinators of crucial overwintering habitats. Many species, including butterflies and solitary bees, rely on leaf litter for shelter during the colder months.<\/span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Why It\u2019s Important:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Leaves act as natural insulation, protecting pollinators from freezing temperatures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Decomposing leaves enrich the soil with organic matter, supporting healthy plant growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-271913 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"salamander leaf litter\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_541092493.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to Use Leaves:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mulch your garden<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Chop leaves with a mower and spread them over garden beds to create a protective layer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Create leaf piles<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Designate a quiet <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">corner of your yard<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> for leaves to accumulate, providing safe spaces for pollinators and beneficial insects.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">As<span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Adams notes,\u00a0<\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cLeaf mulch is nature\u2019s slow-release fertilizer, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting life above and below ground.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-271910 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Bug Hotel.  A construction of logs, branches and woodchips made by a local youth club to provide a suitable environment for wild insects in Holt Wiltshire\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_325490953.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">5. Compost for Soil Health and Biodiversity<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Composting is a powerful way to recycle organic waste and improve soil quality. Healthy soil sustains pollinator-friendly plants, creating a thriving ecosystem for spring.<\/span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Why It\u2019s Important:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Compost adds organic matter to the soil, improving water retention and nutrient availability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers, which can harm pollinators.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Winter Composting Tips:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Store green waste<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Freeze vegetable scraps in a bag to simplify composting when outdoor conditions are less hospitable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Layer materials<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Alternate green (kitchen scraps) and brown (leaves, straw) materials for balanced decomposition. Include some soil from your garden to incorporate the local biome.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Adams highlights compost\u2019s role in pollinator health:\u00a0<\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cEvery nutrient in your compost contributes to soil health, and healthy soil is the foundation for thriving pollinator habitats.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-271911 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Vermicomposting organic food scraps for the plants iin the garden.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_338739939.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">6. Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bulbs like crocuses, snowdrops, and grape hyacinths are among the first plants to bloom, offering critical early-season food for pollinators emerging from winter dormancy. Look for what works best in your local area \u2013 it might not be bulbs, but other local plants.<\/span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Why It\u2019s Important:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Early bloomers provide nectar and pollen when other food sources are scarce.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bulbs are low-maintenance and water-efficient, ideal for eco-friendly gardening.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to Plant:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Choose pesticide-free bulbs to avoid harming pollinators.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Plant bulbs in sunny areas with well-draining soil before the ground freezes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Divide bulbs every few years to maintain healthy growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Adams highlights the emotional power of bulbs:\u00a0<\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cPlanting bulbs is a gift for the future, offering hope and beauty after winter\u2019s quiet. They support pollinators while lifting our spirits.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-271914 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"planting bulbs\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_568732916.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">7. Think Holistically: Create Living Systems for Pollinators<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Supporting pollinators isn\u2019t just about individual actions\u2014it\u2019s about recognizing and fostering the interconnectedness of nature. A healthy garden is part of a larger living system, where every component contributes to the whole.<\/span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Why It\u2019s Important:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Biodiversity strengthens ecosystems, creating resilience against climate change.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Native plants, healthy soil, and water conservation <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">work together to<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> support pollinators year-round.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-271909 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"wooden insect house hung on tree in winter snow\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AdobeStock_239364439.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Key Practices:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Optimize water use<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Install rain barrels to collect and store water, reducing runoff and conserving resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Encourage fungi<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Allow organic matter to decompose naturally, promoting beneficial fungi essential for healthy soil.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Support native species<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Plant native flora to sustain local pollinators and their unique life cycles.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">As<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Adams says,\u00a0<\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cWhen we look at our gardens as living systems, we see that every action\u2014scattering local native wildflower seeds, leaving leaves, conserving water, planting natives\u2014benefits not just pollinators, but the entire web of life.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_271887\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-271887\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-271887 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Nat Hab Staff volunteering at Growing Gardens in Boulder, CO\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/NAT-HAB-megan-brief_262149.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-271887\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Staff volunteering at Growing Gardens in Boulder, CO \u00a9 Megan Brief<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Become a Passionate Caretaker of Pollinators<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">At Nat Hab, we are passionate about supporting pollinators. Our trips to witness and photograph <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/central-america\/monarch-butterfly-tour\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">monarch butterflies<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> in the forested Central Highlands of Mexico offer life-changing perspectives on our relationships with pollinators.<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Likewise, our <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/central-america\/expedition-costa-rica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Costa Rica Wilderness Explorer<\/span><\/a> itinerary provides a glimpse at less-traveled biodiversity hotspots that serve as shelter for migratory pollinators,<span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> including hummingbirds that have traveled thousands of miles.<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Winter may seem like a quiet season in our gardens, but it\u2019s an opportunity to nurture the natural systems that pollinators rely upon. By sowing wildflower seeds, building <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">hugelkultur<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> beds, leaving leaves, composting, making seed balls, planting bulbs, and thinking holistically, you can transform your yard into a haven for pollinators year-round. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">These practices <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">not only support biodiversity but also<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> enrich your soil, beautify your space, and foster a deeper connection to nature.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_271889\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-271889\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-271889 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Nat Hab Staff volunteering at Growing Gardens in Boulder, CO\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1100\" data-src=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/NAT-HAB-megan-brief_262165.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-271889\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nat Hab Staff volunteering at Growing Gardens in Boulder, CO \u00a9 Megan Brief<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/blog\/7-winter-gardening-tips-to-support-pollinators\/\">7 Winter Gardening Tips to Support Pollinators<\/a> first appeared on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nathab.com\/blog\">Good Nature Travel Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pollinators\u2014 including bees, butterflies, birds and bats\u2014are essential for healthy ecosystems and our global food supply: According to WWF, almost 90% of wild plants and 75% of global crops depend on animal pollination. The USDA&hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link-wrapper\"><a href=\"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/10\/7-winter-gardening-tips-to-support-pollinators\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue Reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;7 Winter Gardening Tips to Support Pollinators&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":331,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[12],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/329"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=329"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/329\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":351,"href":"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/329\/revisions\/351"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/331"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=329"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=329"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/scrollsugar.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=329"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}