ST. LOUIS – Maintaining an unkempt garden can play a crucial role in supporting local pollinators and beneficial insects throughout the winter months.

Allowing certain areas of your garden to remain unkept through March provides essential shelter for native insects such as caterpillars, ladybugs and ground beetles. 

These insects require safe habitats to overwinter and emerge when spring temperatures stabilize around 60 degrees.

Keeping dormant plants and natural areas in your yard can provide essential habitat for insects to survive the winter and adjust to spring temperatures. 

This practice supports biodiversity and provides food and shelter for local insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Planting native species is beneficial for both pollinators and the overall health of your garden. These plants support key pollinators, including monarch butterflies, who rely on them during their migration.

Purchasing native plants from sales, like those hosted by the Butterfly House, is a great way to bring these beneficial species into your garden. There are many varieties available that support local ecosystems.

The often-overlooked unkept garden plays an important role in sustaining local ecosystems and supporting pollinator populations, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in urban and suburban areas.

Nexstar AI disclaimer: All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.