I'm in eastern Pennsylvania and planning my garden cleanup for the fall. I know it's important to leave some plant stems and seeds for birds and pollinators, but I'm unsure about which ones to keep. Should I leave all of them or just certain types, like pithy stems? Some of my biggest ones come from dried lilies and irises. I also have coneflowers, and my sedum is blooming now but will dry out soon. I'm searching for good resources to figure out what to trim back and what to leave for the winter. I could ask my neighbor, but I'd like to learn more myself, especially in a world where reliable info can be hard to find.
1 Answer
One great resource to check is your local Extension Office. They’re affiliated with universities and can provide research-backed advice tailored to your area. Plus, you can usually talk to Master Gardeners at local events or through phone lines for free! Definitely look into that, especially since Penn State has a solid program.
Thanks for the tip! I’m aware that Penn State Extension does great work, so I’ll definitely explore their resources.