Garden Pro-Tip December

December Gardening Pro-Tip: Inviting Wildlife to the Harvest

In the Pacific Northwest, winter gardens may seem dormant, but they can be bustling with life if designed with wildlife in mind. A biologically diverse garden invites wild birds and beneficial insects that help keep ecosystems balanced—and they bring joy to your landscape year-round. Here’s how to incorporate water, shelter, and a diverse habitat into your garden, along with seasonal tasks to keep it thriving.

Water: Small Efforts, Big Rewards

Birds and insects need water, even in winter. You don’t need an elaborate pond; simple solutions like shallow baths or “bug bowls” filled with rocks and water will suffice. Rocks give insects a safe landing spot to sip water as it evaporates. Overhead watering from hoses or rain provides droplets on leaves and small puddles for birds and bugs to drink from. These accessible water sources will ensure that wildlife can thrive, even during cold months.

Shelter: A Winter Refuge

Winter can be harsh, so providing shelter is key. A brush pile or birdhouse offers refuge for birds, while decaying logs or upright snags create habitats for insects and fungi. Leave bunching grasses untrimmed—they provide hiding spots, nesting material, and seeds for food. Engage children in building a “beetle house” with rocks, creating a cozy home for ground beetles, spiders, and pill bugs. These small steps add visual interest to your garden and contribute to its ecological health.

Diverse Habitat: A Layered Approach

Wildlife thrives in gardens with layered plantings, from ground cover to the tree canopy. Include native plants alongside vegetables, herbs, and flowers to provide food and shelter for birds and the insects they feed on. Birds, especially during nesting season, consume large numbers of pest insects to sustain their chicks. Avoid over-pruned plants or isolated shrubs; instead, aim for connected greenery. Create pathways of contiguous foliage to make birds feel safe and welcome.

December Garden Tasks

Harvest Wintergreens

If you’ve protected winter greens with a cloche or cold frame, now is the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Kale, spinach, and mache are likely ready for harvesting. Keep these structures intact to extend the growing season and maintain fresh, homegrown produce.

Share Seed Catalogs

Seed catalogs bring the promise of spring. Use these quieter days to plan next year’s garden. Research heirloom vegetables, pest-resistant varieties, or native plants to enhance your landscape’s biodiversity. Eco-Restore can guide you in selecting seeds that align with your goals, whether it’s attracting pollinators or producing abundant harvests.

Prune Kiwi and Grapevines

Winter is the ideal time to prune dormant kiwi and grapevines. Remove dead or diseased wood, and thin out crowded growth to improve airflow and fruit production. Proper pruning techniques ensure healthy plants and easier maintenance. If you’re unsure about how to prune, Eco-Restore offers expert pruning services to keep your vines productive and beautiful.

Secure Closures

December often brings heavy rains, strong winds, and occasional snow. Check that your cold frames, cloches, and garden structures are properly secured. Reinforce closures and repair any damages to protect plants and extend your harvests through the winter. Eco-Restore can help assess your garden’s winter readiness and offer solutions to safeguard it from harsh weather.

How Eco-Restore Can Help

From designing wildlife-friendly habitats to maintaining winter gardens, Eco-Restore is here to support your goals. We offer tailored advice, hands-on help with pruning and structural repairs, and guidance on creating biodiverse landscapes that nurture wildlife. Let us help you transform your garden into a haven of beauty and ecological balance.

This December, invite wildlife into your garden and enjoy the rewards of a harmonious ecosystem. Reach out to Eco-Restore today to learn how we can make your garden dreams a reality.