When temperatures drop and the garden enters a resting phase, many gardeners believe the work is done. But according to gardening experts, there’s an essential winter task that is often overlooked — one that can directly affect plant health and growth in spring: cleaning plant supports.
+ Jennifer Aniston reveals a dreamlike Christmas corner — cozy inspiration for 2025
Arbors, stakes, trellises, cages and support structures are indispensable in gardening, but they accumulate dirt, fungi and pests throughout the year, especially in winter. Leaving these materials untouched until the next season is a mistake that can compromise the vitality of your garden.
Below are the four crucial reasons to clean plant supports during winter, according to experts.
1. Prevents the spread of pests and diseases
During autumn and early winter, many insects and fungi hide in porous materials and uneven surfaces of supports and stakes. If not cleaned, these microorganisms remain “dormant” until spring — returning to attack as soon as the weather warms up.
Cleaning these items drastically reduces the recurrence of problems such as:
- mold and mildew;
- insect eggs;
- bacteria and fungi that cause spots and rot;
- pests that harm flowers and vegetables.
Even a quick wash with warm water and mild soap makes a big difference.
2. Extends the lifespan of supports
Supports — especially wooden or metal ones — deteriorate from moisture, dirt and plant residue. By cleaning them during winter, you:
- prevent corrosion;
- avoid wood rot;
- remove sap and residue that attract insects;
- keep the structure strong for the next season.
This means fewer expenses replacing materials in spring.
3. Makes garden planning easier for the next season
With supports clean and organized, gardeners can clearly see which pieces are still in good condition and which need to be replaced before the next growth cycle.
This allows you to:
- reorganize flowerbeds;
- plan new plantings;
- identify material shortages in advance;
- save time once the weather warms up.
Winter is the ideal time for planning, and this simple task makes the process more efficient.
4. Ensures better support for young plants in spring
Plants that begin growing in spring need stability from the very start. Dirty, fragile or rusty supports can break, bend or even transmit diseases to young seedlings.
Cleaning supports in winter ensures that they are:
- sturdy,
- sanitized,
- ready to support sensitive plants,
- suitable for climbers, tomatoes, cucumbers, tall flowers and other species that depend on them.
The result is healthier growth and a more vigorous garden from the first days of the season.
A small task that brings big benefits
Although often forgotten, cleaning plant supports in winter is a simple, affordable and highly effective practice to keep your garden healthy and ready for spring. Experts emphasize: this maintenance is just as important as pruning, composting and frost protection.
Spending just a few minutes on this task may be the secret to a stronger, more beautiful and more productive garden in the next cycle.
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
