As the cold weather sets in across the UK, many gardeners feel compelled to tidy their outdoor spaces, but one expert claims this common winter task could be doing more harm than good.
The 'Don't Tidy' Gardening Philosophy
Helen Hutchings Cox, who posts online as Helen Likes Plants, is urging gardeners to resist the urge to clear away dead plants and leaves during the colder months. The content creator and gardener, who was elected to the board of trustees at the Royal Horticultural Society at just 31, making her potentially the youngest ever appointment, advocates for a more natural approach.
In a recent TikTok video posted in November 2025, Helen explained her unconventional method for winter garden care. Instead of heading outside with secateurs and rakes, she recommends staying indoors with a warm drink.
Why Leaving Gardens Untidy Helps Nature
The best thing you can do for nature over winter is to just leave your garden exactly as it is, don't tidy it up, Helen stated in her viral clip. She emphasised that seed heads and decaying plants provide vital food sources for insects and birds during the scarce winter months.
Furthermore, the decomposing plant matter naturally enriches the soil, creating healthier growing conditions for spring. This sustainable approach aligns with Helen's mission to help people cultivate food and flowers in an easy and environmentally friendly way.
Positive Response from Fellow Gardeners
The advice has been welcomed by gardening enthusiasts who often feel pressure to maintain pristine outdoor spaces year-round. One viewer commented on Helen's video expressing relief, saying they had been feeling guilty about their untidy allotment while others appeared neat and organised.
Helen's approach demonstrates that sometimes the most beneficial gardening tasks involve doing less rather than more, allowing natural processes to support biodiversity and plant health through the challenging winter season.
