Photo courtesy of Hans Voorn at Flickr.com.
Some of us don’t worry too much about leaving dead plants and other organic matter in our gardens or greenhouses after the growing season is over—and that’s a big mistake. Dead plants, foliage, fruit husks, and the like are a haven for animal and insect pests, as well as diseases like black spot, gray mold (botrytis), and powdery mildew.
Even if the plant material is clean at the end of fall, it might be contaminated by the time spring arrives—and that might impact your new crops. Your best bet is to clear your garden immediately at the end of the year. Plant remains you know to be clean can be composted; any infected remains should be burned or otherwise disposed of.
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