Attract a Diverse Group of Pollinators To Your Ohio Garden
Spring is in full swing here in Ohio, and while the garden is bursting with life, I've noticed fewer buzzing friends than usual. Understanding the importance of our local pollinators, I set out to create a space where they can thrive. Today, I'm sharing my tips so you can create your own pollinator paradise, tailored to our Ohio ecosystem!
Pollinators, like this bee, are vital to a healthy ecosystem.
The Pollinator Problem in Ohio
Ohio's pollinators, like those across the nation, are facing serious challenges. Habitat loss due to urbanization and agriculture, pesticide use, and the changing climate are all contributing to their decline. A study by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources showed a significant decrease in native bee populations over the last decade. This decline not only impacts our gardens but also threatens Ohio's agricultural industry, which relies heavily on pollinators for crop production.
7 Simple Steps to a Pollinator-Friendly Garden
Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is easier than you think! By following these seven simple steps, you can provide a haven for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.
Step 1: Plant Native!
Native plants are the cornerstone of a successful pollinator garden. They are perfectly adapted to Ohio's climate and soil conditions and provide the specific food and shelter that our native pollinators need.
Here are a few excellent choices for Ohio gardens:
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): This classic wildflower is a magnet for bees and butterflies, blooming from mid-summer to fall. It's also drought-tolerant and easy to grow.
- Milkweed (Asclepias species): The only food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars! Choose native milkweed varieties like common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) or butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa).
- Bee Balm (Monarda species): As the name suggests, bee balm is irresistible to bees. It comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and purple, and blooms from summer to fall.
- Goldenrod (Solidago species): Often unfairly blamed for allergies, goldenrod is a valuable late-season nectar source for pollinators preparing for winter.
- Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis): A gorgeous spring bloomer that provides early season resources for bees and other beneficial insects.
Sourcing native plants from local nurseries is ideal for the health of your garden.
Where to source native plants:
- Local nurseries: Support your local nurseries and garden centers! They often carry a selection of native plants that are suited to your specific area.
- Seed swaps: Join a local seed swap to exchange seeds and knowledge with other gardeners.
- Online retailers: Several online retailers specialize in native plants and seeds.
Step 2: Ditch the Chemicals!
Pesticides and herbicides are harmful to pollinators and should be avoided in a pollinator garden. Even organic pesticides can be harmful if not used carefully.
![Organic vs. Chemical Pest Control Infographic]
Organic Alternatives:
- Hand-picking: Remove pests by hand and dispose of them properly.
- Beneficial insects: Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control pest populations.
- Neem oil: A natural insecticide derived from the neem tree.
- Homemade insecticidal soap: A simple and effective way to control aphids and other soft-bodied insects.
Step 3: Provide a Water Source
Pollinators need water, especially during hot summer months. Create a simple water source by placing a shallow dish filled with pebbles in your garden. Fill the dish with water, ensuring that the pebbles are partially submerged so that pollinators can land safely and drink.
A shallow dish with pebbles is a simple and effective water source for pollinators.
Step 4: Offer Shelter and Nesting Sites
Pollinators need shelter from the elements and safe places to nest. You can provide shelter by leaving dead stems standing over the winter, creating a bee house, or providing leaf litter.
![DIY Bee House Tutorial]
Instructions for building a bee house
You can use scrap wood and drill different sized holes to build a bee house
Step 5: Plant in Clumps
Planting several of the same plant species together creates a more visually appealing and attractive area for pollinators. Clumps of flowers are easier for pollinators to find and provide a more concentrated source of nectar and pollen.
![Before and After Planting in Clumps]
Planting in clumps of the same flower will attract more pollinators than single plants.
Step 6: Extend the Blooming Season
To provide a continuous food source for pollinators throughout the growing season, plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of the year.
Seasonal Bloom Chart for Ohio:
- Spring: Ohio Spiderwort, Wild Hyacinth, Virginia Bluebells
- Summer: Purple Coneflower, Bee Balm, Milkweed
- Fall: Goldenrod, Asters, Sedum
Step 7: Compost Organic Materials
Composting reduces waste and provides essential nutrients for your plants. By composting your kitchen scraps and yard waste, you can create a nutrient-rich soil amendment that will help your plants thrive and attract even more pollinators.
![Efficient Compost Bin]
Using compost in your garden provides valuable nutrients and is a sustainable solution.
A Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Sighting
Last year, I was thrilled to see a rusty patched bumble bee visiting my Midwestern coneflower. The rusty patched bumble bee is an endangered species, and its presence in my garden was a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference.
The rusty patched bumble bee is an endangered species and any sighting is a great thing.
A Pollinator Paradise
Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is a rewarding way to give back to nature and enhance your own backyard. Take the first step today by planting just one native flower! Share your pollinator garden photos with us on Instagram using #BetterHomesAndHarvests and #PollinatorGardenOhio! We can't wait to see what you create.