Reasons to Leave Your Garden Messy This Fall

[{"selector":"#anim-4c2fa60a-e6a6-469b-8c2d-d9b2f6cf27cf","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3e874b63-8eb9-4510-80af-ad7548fc468a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":500,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Floral Separator By stacy ling Gardening Tips & Tricks Learn more

Leaving your garden a bit messy in the fall might seem counterintuitive, but here are a few reasons you should embrace a more laid-back approach this fall.

[{"selector":"#anim-bde0a1d1-0f51-49be-b658-d1dcbe7a149e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(13.5036496350365%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-51b7985e-8b97-4e59-a7df-a1d2c7016eff","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":300,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Wildlife Habitat Allowing some plants to remain standing and leaving leaf litter can provide valuable habitat for wildlife. Many insects and small animals, including beneficial pollinators and birds, rely on these materials for shelter and as overwintering sites.

[{"selector":"#anim-c9d0c899-7d1a-4fec-8656-54eae7bc1315 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Natural Mulch Fallen leaves, spent flower heads, and plant debris create a natural mulch that can protect your garden’s soil from erosion and temperature extremes. As these materials break down over time, they enrich the soil with organic matter, benefiting your plants.

[{"selector":"#anim-17bfbb94-be2e-4f8a-b1e9-ed747402dc51 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-70d24ccf-90b8-424b-8781-13f0ac213507","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5c8ad4cc-e6ac-40a5-bcf9-edf02ca86296","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Floral Frame

Seeds for Wildlife Some plants produce seeds in the fall that are essential food sources for birds and other creatures during the colder months..

[{"selector":"#anim-c4fc384d-cf3a-4489-be93-d3cce7819297 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(9.909909909909908%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Winter Interest Dried seed heads, ornamental grasses, and certain plants can add unique texture and visual interest to your garden during the winter months. These elements create a winter landscape that is both captivating and ethereal.

[{"selector":"#anim-1202ad71-e13c-4f22-9a09-60caf3481093 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(9.909909909909908%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Less Disruption Cleaning up your garden too thoroughly in the fall can disturb beneficial insects, disrupt soil structure, and interfere with the natural cycle of the ecosystem. A bit of messiness allows these processes to continue undisturbed.

[{"selector":"#anim-51374120-889a-492b-acf9-537f9b48a801 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Reduced Stress Allowing yourself to leave the garden a bit untidy can reduce the stress of maintaining a perfectly manicured space year-round. Fall is a time to relax and enjoy the changing seasons, and a slightly messy garden can reflect that sense of ease.

[{"selector":"#anim-48104ac3-cdd8-478a-b133-61d30569e33f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Follow along to learn more about fall garden chores.

[{"selector":"#anim-6ffb6b51-3234-49c9-a369-c9bd55b4880c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Floral Separator Gardening Tips & Tricks Learn more

Get more gardening tips, tricks and inspo delivered straight to your inbox!

[{"selector":"#anim-faa16839-acfa-44d2-bf84-62821cc994b6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Floral Separator Gardening Tips & Tricks Stay Connected

[{"selector":"#anim-f10a3f21-77a2-4efd-9ab8-3c8d71cfe484","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e4409274-14e3-40f4-83af-4b7cb43a339c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7f858bfa-8ddb-48cf-add3-b986c209b3b1","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1987c592-91ad-4b35-86f3-ab1c11b552b6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":750,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ebb86944-dd06-42b7-802c-b206ee3b7c15","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":750,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Floral Frame More from stacy ling The Basics of Hydrangea Care The Secret to Watering Indoor Plants