Pollinators are in trouble, but thankfully, we can help! Here are some ways to promote your pollinators!
One of the best ways to promote pollinators is to plant a pollinator garden! These gardens provide both food sources and habitat for pollinators, helping their colonies grow. Want to learn how to plant a pollinator garden? Read on.
Things to consider:
Native Plants
The first step in planting a pollinator garden is finding flowers native to your area. Your pollinators will appreciate the familiar look, smell, and taste of the flowers you include. Using plants native to your area also guarantees that they can grow well in your climate.
Color Choice
Color choice is very important if you want to attract a wide variety of pollinators; different pollinators like different colors. For example, bees enjoy blue and purple flowers while butterflies love white, red, and yellow flowers. Try planting flowers of all colors to maximize the pollinator appeal of your garden.
Bloom Times
To support pollinators all through the spring, summer, and fall, consider planting flowers that bloom at different times. Flowers that bloom early provide food for the “early-risers” that come out early in the year. Flowers that bloom mid-year support the highest population of pollinators. Flowers that bloom late in the year give pollinators that last little bit of food they need to go into hibernation.
Other Ideas
Instead of using harmful chemical pesticides to keep bad bugs out of your garden, use ladybugs; they’re natural-born pest controllers. If it’s hot and dry out, you can set a dish of water out to give your pollinators a drink. When your garden dies at the end of the year, don’t take the dead plants to the dump. Pile up all your dead plants to create a place for pollinators to hibernate. Don’t be afraid of bees! They are harmless if you don’t bother them; if you see a bee, don’t try to kill it, just leave it alone. Both you and the bees will be thankful!
Congratulations! You are now a pollinator protector, and we need you. Teach others what you’ve learned, and you can help save the pollinators!
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