Gardeners are being told not to mow their lawns so often during the month of May, but to leave this one nutritious plant to attract more wildlife into the outdoor spaces.
The month of May is an important time for gardeners to start completing some tasks and ensure that their outdoor spaces are looking their best ahead of the summer. The fresh smell of the grass being cut, the flowers blooming with the birds chipping is the kind of environment everyone is aiming to achieve. However, experts are now warning gardeners to do something different.
Instead of cutting the grass and mowing the lawn, following the ‘No Mow May’ movement, gardeners are told to leave their grass and allow plants such as dandelions to grow freely. By doing so, it will allow wild plants to grow and attract pollinators like bees, hoverflies and butterflies to rely on these for food.
According to Gardeners World, they said: “Leave a few weeds such as dandelions to provide food for wildlife. Some species lay eggs on leaves, while others feed on their nectar and pollen.”
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One of the many advantages of keeping the dandelion patches is that gardeners don’t have to worry about having to mow every week. This will also improve the condition of the soil, and the overall health and fertility of the grass and plants.
Samantha Richards from Gazaboshop told Ideal Home: “Dandelions are a valuable food source for pollinators and other insects, and their deep roots help aerate and loosen the soil, making it easier for other plants to grow.”
Interestingly, dandelions are also quite nutritious for humans, and can be included in teas, sandwiches and salads. They’re packed with Vitamins A, C, and K, and other minerals including iron and calcium that help plants fully bloom and add that touch of colour that just brightens up the day.
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Therefore, it’s the perfect chance for gardeners to make the most of it by taking care of their outdoor spaces and begin to plant some flowers, just for them to fully bloom before the hotter months.
By leaving dandelions to grow freely, it will not only benefit plants and the overall look of the gardens, but also provide nutrients for wildlife. It will also give gardeners some extra time to focus on completing other tasks that require more attention and immediate care.
The spring season is a pivotal time for gardening, as it’s the time of the year when the temperatures get warmer and the sunshine is out for a longer time. With summer around the corner, it’s best to complete these simple tasks ahead of time to avoid piling up.