Sunday, October 5, 2025
More

    Top 6 This Week

    popular+

    Support overwintering pollinators in your garden

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    As days shorten and temperatures begin to drop, prepare your garden to support pollinators that stay all winter.

    Winterize your garden with year-round pollinators in mind. Leave key plants and natural materials in place and/or winter sow native seeds. You’ll create a vibrant, ecologically beneficial winter pollinator haven and help your garden thrive in spring.

    What’s winter sowing and overwintering?

    Winter sowing is a gardening technique in which seeds are planted in containers or directly into the soil during winter to mimic natural germination cycles and undergo cold stratification. Seeds stay dormant until conditions are right for sprouting in spring. This technique works especially well for native wildflowers, grasses and perennials which have evolved to thrive under such conditions.

    Overwintering (a.k.a. winterizing) is the process of preparing plants for cooler months and adverse weather conditions. It helps plants that may otherwise succumb to the challenges of cooler months to survive from one year to the next.

    Some pollinator species also use overwintering strategies to survive the cold.

    POLLINATOR WINTER HABITATS

    01

    Ground nesters

    Seventy per cent of native bees (e.g., sweat bees, mining bees, cellophane bees, etc.) create burrows in soil for their winter nests and to lay eggs.

    02

    Cavity nesters

    Thirty per cent of native bees (e.g., leafcutter bees, mason bees, etc.) seek winter shelter in cavities of dead wood, hollow stems or brush piles.

    03

    Leaf litter nesters

    Many species of butterflies, moths and some native bees prefer to overwinter in undisturbed leaf litter.

    Source: Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

    Lawn with leaves covering it

    Messy yards help pollinators

    Creating a pollinator sanctuary isn’t limited to spring and summer. Brown, dead leaves are Earth’s insect nurseries. Start “messy” yard practices in fall and continue into winter to support overwintering pollinators.

    LEARN THE IMPORTANCE OF LEAVING THE LEAVES

    The importance of winter sowing native plant seeds

    native plant is one that has existed in an area for millennia and has evolved with other native species of plants, animals, fungi and bacteria in the presence of native soil and climatic conditions. Winter sowing native seeds in regions they would naturally exist gives them a much better chance at germinating and flourishing in spring.

    Native plants play an important and foundational role in ecosystems, preserving biodiversity and supporting insectsbirds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles with food, shelter and nesting material. To support their growth, some native plants need to undergo cold stratification to break the seed’s dormancy and increase its ability to germinate in spring.

    Examples of native plants that benefit from cold stratification:

    • Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
    • Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
    • Ironweed (Veronia)
    • Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
    • Marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris)
    • Milkweed (Asclepias)
    • Purple coneflower a.k.a. echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
    • Prairie coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)
    • Sedum (sedum stenopetalum)

    How to prepare your garden and support pollinators over winter

    Depending on where you live, begin to prepare your winter garden from late fall until the end of January.

    Native plants are naturally resilient and adapted to survive the cold months of your ecoregion. But some will still benefit from preparation for overwintering. Proper overwintering supports plant roots during freezing conditions, prevents soil erosion, enriches soil and sets the stage for early growth in the next growing season. A bonus? They also provide refuge and food for overwintering pollinators!

    Eight ways to prepare native plants for overwintering

    1. Choose winter-friendly native plants and seeds. Opt for native species for your ecoregion that will do well in winter. Seek out local seed swaps, libraries and nurseries to source native seeds.
    2. Leave the leaves. If your garden (and yard) has natural debris built up from fall in areas where you’re not winter sowing, leave it! Plant litter provides shelter to overwintering pollinators and insulation for newly planted perennials and overwintering native plants, and boosts pollinator communities that will support your garden in spring.
    3. Rethink mulch. Many gardening guides suggest using wood mulch during cooler seasons as an insulator for overwintering plants. Instead, use compost, leaf litter and plant debris from your garden so ground-nesting bees can gain easier access to their nests. Avoid using plastic mulch, landscape fabric and heavy wood chips.
    4. Preserve seed heads. Seeds heads of native wildflowers like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and asters provide winter food for birds and habitat for insects. Prune them in early spring if needed.
    5. Leave plant stalks standing. Hollow and pithy stems of native plants like goldenrod and coneflowers serve as refuge and nesting sites for cavity-nesting native bees. Only cut back diseased or invasive species.
    6. Minimize soil disturbance. Leave parts of your garden with bare soil or light mulch untouched. If you must weed or mulch, avoid turning over the soil deeply. Many native bees and insects burrow deep into soil to overwinter. Disturbing the soil can destroy their nests.
    7. Cover vulnerable plants. Some native perennials, like young shrubs or newly planted wildflowers, may need extra protection in harsh climates. Use burlap wraps or frost covers to protect plants from harsh winds and frost. Ensure these allow airflow to prevent rot.
    8. Water before first freeze. A well-hydrated plant is better equipped to withstand winter stress. Plan to give your garden a good drink in late fall before the first freeze (especially if your region has had a dry fall). This ensures plants roots are hydrated before the ground freezes.

    How to winter sow native seeds

    Join the Seed Sitters Club — an inexpensive and simple way to grow native plants for personal use and/or to share in your community.

    Watch Butterflyway Ranger and native plant enthusiast Dorte Windmuller share the first four steps of seed sitting to help you set your garden up for success in the spring.

    You’ll need:

    • Small pots with holes in the bottom
    • Potting soil
    • Native seeds
    • Labels
    • Dry leaves
    • Chicken wire (or something similar)
    • A spray bottle

    WATCH 

    WINTER SOW NATIVE SEEDS IN NINE STEPS

    Step 1

    Any time between November and the end of January, fill a pot that has holes in the bottom with moist potting soil.

    Step 2

    Sprinkle seeds on top of the soil. Press them down gently. Sprinkle a little soil on top.

    Step 3

    Label your pot with the seed species’ name.

    Step 4

    Cover the pot with leaves and chicken wire to protect the seeds from birds and squirrels.

    Step 5

    All winter long, keep the container outside in a place where it will receive snow and rain.

    Step 6

    When the temperature rises in spring, place the pot in a partially sunny location, remove the leaves and wait for the seeds to sprout. Keep the soil moist.

    Step 7

    If seedlings become too crowded as they grow, carefully separate their roots and place some plants in separate pots.

    Step 8

    Seedlings can be planted in the garden in summer and fall. Keep them well watered for their first year.

    Step 9

    Most plants will come back stronger and larger in Year 2 and will persist for many years.

    BECOME A SEED SITTER

    Native plants can be expensive and hard to come by. Become your own native plant source with winter seed sitting!

    Join today!

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Popular Articles

    GEORGIANBAYNEWS.COM

    Popular Articles

    Collingwood is Calling for Feedback on Accessible Taxi Service

    The Town of Collingwood is committed to providing all people with consistent opportunity and access to all Town goods, services, and facilities while ensuring...

    Why You Should Not Ask AI Chatbots for Medical Advice

    Asking AI chatbots for medical advice is not a good idea for several critical reasons. While they can provide general information and assist with...

    Mayor Andrea Matrosovs Appointed to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative’s Board of Directors

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public that Town of The Blue Mountains Mayor and Grey County Warden, Andrea...

    The Meaford International Film Festival | September 20th to 22nd

    The Meaford International Film Festival (MIFF) showcases award-winning films and guests from around the world. MIFF is the premier fundraiser for the Meaford Culture...

    Meaford’s 150th Birthday Party

    Parade - 1pm St. Vincent Street to the Harbour You're are invited to join Meaford’s 150th Birthday Party (following the parade) from 2:00 pm – 5:00...

    Statement from the Office of the Mayor – Resignation of Councillor Houston

    Collingwood, ON - It is with understanding and respect that Council has accepted the resignation of Councillor Brandon Houston with immedate effect. The Town received...

    OJHL HALL OF FAME WELCOMES NOMINATIONS FOR CLASS OF 2026

    Up to five people to be inducted during spring ceremony September 26, 2025, Mississauga, ON – … The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) Hall of Fame...

    Collingwood Pride Festival: Star-Studded Lineup and Exciting Events THIS July 12-13!

    Emma Nichol Photography Hello and Happy Friday from Pride Collingwood & The Rainbow Club of South Georgian Bay! The Rainbow Club of South Georgian Bay invites...

    The Top 19 Mediterranean Diet Snacks, Recommended by Registered Dietitians

    The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its rich flavors and health benefits, emphasizes whole grains, healthy fats, fresh fruits, and vegetables. If you're following this...

    Vnukowski, Schulte, Hetherington | Collingwood Music Festival | Sunday June 8th | Meaford Hall

    Daniel Vnukowski, Michael Schulte, David Hetherington Sunday June 8 3pm | $62 Adults, $5 Under 16 Book Now CLICK HERE Join us on June 8 in Meaford Hall...

    WOW! Horoscopes by Orion Moonsong | For the Week of May 4th, 2025

    Orion Moonsong, celestial eavesdropper extraordinaire… While we’re all busy with our earthly concerns, this astronomical busybody is up there tuning into the universe’s gossip channel,...

    Hotel California – The Original Eagles Tribute | Meaford Hall

    Friday, April 25 7:30pm | $70VIDEO: Hotel California TributeFor almost three decades HOTEL CALIFORNIA have been recreating the legendary sound of THE EAGLES, and thrilling audiences...

    Jeff Woods Summer Bday Banger | Saturday July 20th

    Mississippi Blues meets Detroit Rock!  It's the Summer Baby Birthday Banger, as we celebrate the birthdays of all our friends born in the summer...

    12th Annual Collingwood Art Crawl Coming September 21st

    Collingwood, ON – The Collingwood Art Crawl returns for its twelfth year on Saturday, September 21st from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Downtown Collingwood....

    Rogers, Richie & Robinson | Friday, September 5, 7:30 pm | MEAFORD HALL

    THE UNDERCOVERS - 3 WORLD CLASS SINGERS PAY TRIBUTE TO KENNY ROGERS, LIONEL RICHIE, and SMOKEY ROBINSON Sing along to the hits of Smokey Robinson,...

    Stories from the Street | Where are You Sleeping Tonight?

    By Joan Orr M.Sc. “It’s really hard, you know, when you were used to coming home to a house after work, having dinner around the...

    Hackers, malware and the darknet – The fatal consequences of cyberattacks | DW Documentary

    Cyberspace is less secure than ever before. Hackers exploit human error or technical loopholes to steal data -- or publish it on the darknet,...

    Horoscopes by Orion Moonsong | March 23-30, 2025

    Orion Moonsong, celestial eavesdropper extraordinaire… While we’re all busy with our earthly concerns, this astronomical busybody is up there tuning into the universe’s gossip channel,...

    Former Facebook executive exposes tech giant’s alarming failings | 60 Minutes Australia

    Sarah Wynn-Williams reveals the secrets about the upper management of Facebook’s parent company, Meta. 60 Minutes Australia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5XvjhJlI4E&t=14s The Insider (2025) ► Subscribe: http://9Soci.al/chmP50wA97J ► WATCH...

    WHO KILLED JONUS PALMER? $50,000 Reward Offered

    (MIDLAND, ON) - A reward is being offered in the hope of resolving the murder of Jonus Keegan PALMER that occurred four years ago. On Monday,...

    Love Horoscopes by Orion Moonsong | For the Week of June 1st, 2025

    Orion Moonsong, celestial eavesdropper extraordinaire… While we’re all busy with our earthly concerns, this astronomical busybody is up there tuning into the universe’s gossip channel,...

    New evidence we are close to extinction from Ai

    OpenAI and killer robots. Visit Ground News to compare news coverage, spot media bias and avoid algorithms. Try it today and get 40% off...

    BIG COMMUNITY EVENT: Collingwood Blues, CCI Band and Sam Griffiths Birthday @ ‘the Eddie’

    A SUPER FUN FILLED EVENING!!! Go Blues Go!!! https://youtu.be/XwCnVWgiUKk Player of the Game goes to #29 Colten Drillen-Roach. An incredible performance, Colten!!! Happy Birthday Sam Griffiths!!!  https://youtu.be/9_TAL98c8z4 UPDATE: Collingwood...