Pollinators are essential to the health of our planet and our food supply. They’re responsible for pollinating over 75% of our crops and contribute over $235 billion to the global economy each year. However, due to habitat loss and other factors, pollinator numbers are declining. We can help by creating gardens that provide them with the resources they need to thrive. In this article, we’ll give you tips and advice on how to create a garden that attracts pollinators.
Understand the needs of pollinators
Before you start designing your garden, it’s important to know the needs of pollinators. Pollinators need three things to survive: Food, water and shelter. When it comes to food, pollinators rely on nectar and pollen from flowers. Different types of pollinators prefer different types of flowers, so it’s important to plant a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. For shelter, pollinators need hiding places where they can hide from predators and rest at night. Finally, pollinators need a water source, such as a birdbath or shallow bowl filled with water.
Choose the right plants
Choosing the right plants is critical to attracting pollinators to your garden. As mentioned earlier, pollinators prefer different types of flowers. Therefore, it’s important to choose a variety of flowers that will bloom throughout the growing season. Native plants are a good choice because they have co-evolved with native pollinators and provide the right kind of food and habitat. Some examples of native plants that attract pollinators are coneflower, milkweed, black susan and bergamot.
Plant in clumps
When planting your garden, it’s important to plant flowers in clumps rather than as individual plants. Clusters of flowers provide a larger target for pollinators and make it easier for them to find food. They also provide a more natural landscape appearance and offer better protection to pollinators.
Provide a variety of bloom times
Pollinators need food throughout the growing season. That’s why it’s important to plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times. This will ensure that there is a constant food source for pollinators from early spring to late fall. By providing a variety of bloom times, you can attract more pollinators to your garden.
Provide protection
Pollinators need hiding places to protect themselves from predators and to rest at night. Providing shelter in the form of trees, shrubs, and other plants is important for attracting pollinators to your garden. You can also provide shelter by leaving a small portion of your garden unmowed or by creating a small brushwood pile.
Avoid pesticides
Pesticides can be harmful to pollinators, so be sure to avoid them in your garden. Instead, use natural methods to control pests, such as mixed cropping, crop rotation and hand picking. You can also attract natural predators to your garden, such as ladybugs and praying mantises, which help keep pest populations under control.
Provide water
Pollinators also need a source of water, so it’s important to provide them with a shallow dish or bird bath with water. Be sure to change the water regularly to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing.
Take care of your garden
Maintaining your garden is important to ensure that it continues to attract pollinators. Remove flower heads regularly to encourage new growth and bloom. Remove weeds and dead plants that can harbor pests and diseases. Make sure your garden is well watered, especially during dry spells. By caring for your garden, you can create a healthy and vibrant habitat for pollinators.
Conclusion
Growing a garden that attracts pollinators isn’t only good for the environment, but also an enjoyable and rewarding hobby. By providing pollinators with the resources they need to thrive, you’re helping to support an important part of our ecosystem. Use the tips and advice in this article to create a garden that’s bursting with life and color, and watch bees, butterflies and hummingbirds flock to your garden.
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