7 Simple Shifts to Supercharge Your Pollinator Garden This Season

Have you noticed the quiet hum of the garden lately? While the longer days bring vibrant blooms and the promise of a bountiful harvest, our essential pollinators – the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds – are facing increasing challenges. Their populations are declining, impacting not only the beauty of our gardens but also the productivity of our food crops. Imagine a world without the sweet taste of berries or the crispness of apples – pollinators are crucial for making that possible!

But don't despair! You can make a real difference, right in your own backyard. Discover 7 easy-to-implement changes that will transform your garden into a haven for these essential creatures, leading to healthier plants and bigger harvests. By creating a thriving pollinator-friendly garden, you're not just adding beauty; you're contributing to a healthier planet and a more secure food system. Let's dive in and explore how you can attract pollinators to your garden this season.

1. Plant a Pollinator Patch

Why: Providing a dedicated space specifically designed for pollinators ensures they have a reliable food source throughout the season. Different pollinators have different floral preferences, so variety is key. A pollinator patch offers a diverse buffet to meet their needs.

Actionable Steps:

• Choose a sunny location: Pollinators are attracted to warmth and sunlight.
• Prepare the soil: Amend the soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
• Select a variety of plants: Include plants with different flower shapes, sizes, and colors to attract a wider range of pollinators. Consider bloom times to ensure a continuous supply of nectar and pollen from early spring through late fall.
• Plant in clusters: Grouping plants of the same species together makes it easier for pollinators to find them.

Examples:

• For bees: Bee balm, lavender, salvia, sunflowers, and coneflowers are excellent choices.
• For butterflies: Milkweed, butterfly bush, asters, and zinnias are irresistible.
• For hummingbirds: Salvia, bee balm, trumpet vine, and fuchsias are all hummingbird favorites.
• Native plants: For those in the Pacific Northwest, consider native plants like Oregon Grape, Salal, and Western bleeding heart. In the Southwest, try Penstemons, Desert Milkweed, and Agave. For the Northeast, consider New England Aster, Goldenrod, and Joe-Pye Weed.

Resources: The Xerces Society (xerces.org) is a great resource for finding native plant recommendations for your region.

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