Buzzing with Life: 7 Native Plants to Attract Pollinators to Your Midwest Garden This Summer

As the summer sun warms the earth, the hum of bees becomes a constant soundtrack in our garden. But have you noticed fewer of these vital pollinators lately? It's a concern we share, and that's why we're passionate about creating a welcoming haven for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. This blog post will guide you through 7 simple yet effective ways to create a pollinator-friendly garden that will not only attract these essential creatures but also boost your harvest and create a thriving ecosystem in your Midwest backyard.

A vibrant summer garden showcasing a variety of blooming plants and attracting bees in the Midwest.

1. Plant Native Wildflowers: The Foundation of a Pollinator Paradise

Native plants are the cornerstone of any successful pollinator-friendly garden. These plants are perfectly adapted to the Midwest's climate and soil conditions, providing the specific nutrients and habitat that our local pollinators have evolved to rely on. Unlike some hybridized or non-native plants, native wildflowers offer the right nectar, pollen, and larval food sources needed for survival.

Why it works: Native pollinators have co-evolved with native plants over millennia. They are intrinsically linked. Planting native ensures that your garden provides the right food and habitat.

Actionable Tip: Research native wildflowers in your region. The USDA NRCS website (search "[Your State] NRCS native plants") and local native plant societies are excellent resources. Some of our favorites for the Midwest include:

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A classic and beautiful choice that attracts bees and butterflies.
• Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa): A crucial host plant for Monarch butterflies.
• Bee Balm (Monarda): A favorite of bees and hummingbirds, offering vibrant color.
• Asters (Symphyotrichum): Late-blooming flowers that provide nectar when other sources are scarce.
• Goldenrod (Solidago): A misunderstood plant that offers late-season nectar for many pollinators. (It's often blamed for allergies, but ragweed is the real culprit!)
• Lupine (Lupinus perennis): Beautiful and vital for Karner Blue butterflies.
• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Cheerful and attractive to a variety of pollinators.

2. Ditch the Pesticides: Embrace Organic Gardening

Pesticides, even those labeled "organic," can be harmful to pollinators. They can directly kill bees and butterflies or disrupt their nervous systems, affecting their ability to navigate and find food. Embracing organic gardening practices is crucial for creating a safe haven.

Why it works: Organic gardening focuses on building healthy soil and plants, making them more resistant to pests and diseases naturally. This reduces the need for harmful chemicals.

Actionable Tips:

• Improve your soil: Amend with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
• Attract beneficial insects: Ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises are natural predators of common garden pests.
• Handpick pests: Remove pests like aphids and caterpillars by hand.
• Use natural pest repellents: Garlic spray, neem oil, and insecticidal soap can be effective for some pests.
• Crop rotation: Plant different crops in the same spot each year to prevent pest buildup.

Last year, we had a minor aphid infestation on our tomatoes. Instead of reaching for a chemical spray, we released ladybugs into the garden. Within a few days, the aphids were gone, and the ladybugs moved on to other parts of the garden.

3. Provide a Water Source: A Bee Bath for Thirsty Pollinators

Pollinators need water just like any other living creature. Providing a shallow water source is a simple way to attract them to your garden.

Why it works: Bees and butterflies need water to drink and cool down, especially during hot summer months. A shallow dish with pebbles provides a safe place for them to land and drink without drowning.

Actionable Tip: To create a bee bath, simply place a shallow dish (a terracotta saucer works well) filled with pebbles and water in your garden. The pebbles should be partially submerged, giving bees a safe place to land and drink without drowning. Refill the water regularly and clean the dish to prevent algae growth.

4. Build a Bee Hotel: Providing a Nesting Place

Solitary bees, like mason bees and leafcutter bees, are excellent pollinators and don't live in hives. Providing them with nesting sites can greatly increase their populations in your garden.

Why it works: Solitary bees nest in small cavities. A bee hotel provides these cavities, giving them a place to lay their eggs and raise their young.

Actionable Tip: You can purchase pre-made bee hotels or easily build your own. Drill holes of varying sizes (3/32" to 3/8") into a block of untreated wood or use hollow stems like bamboo or reeds. Place the bee hotel in a sunny, sheltered location.

5. Incorporate Host Plants: Supporting the Butterfly Life Cycle

Butterflies need both nectar plants for adults and host plants for their caterpillars. Planting host plants ensures that butterflies can complete their entire life cycle in your garden.

Why it works: Butterfly caterpillars are very picky eaters, often feeding on only one or a few specific plant species. Providing these host plants is essential for their survival.

Actionable Tip: Research which butterflies are common in your area and what their host plants are. For example, Monarch butterflies require milkweed, while Black Swallowtail butterflies use plants in the parsley family, like dill, fennel, and parsley. We always plant extra dill just for the caterpillars!

6. Create a Wildflower Meadow: A Natural Pollinator Haven

Transform a section of your lawn into a wildflower meadow. This is a great way to provide a diverse habitat for pollinators and reduce your lawn maintenance.

Why it works: Wildflower meadows offer a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year, providing a continuous source of nectar and pollen.

Actionable Tip: Start by removing the existing grass and preparing the soil. Then, sow a mix of native wildflower seeds. Be patient, as it may take a few years for the meadow to fully establish. You can purchase wildflower mixes specifically designed for your region.

7. Compost to Build Your Pollinator Garden

Compost is the cornerstone of organic gardening. It is decomposed organic matter. Compost improves soil structure, drainage, fertility, and helps retain moisture.

Why it works: healthy soil creates stronger plants, and strong plants attract more pollinators.

Actionable Tip: Build a compost bin for all yard waste. Create a pile of dirt, water, and decaying yard and kitchen waste.

Compost in a garden, providing nutrients for soil and pollinators.

Now It's Your Turn

Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is a rewarding experience that benefits both you and the environment. By following these simple tips, you can transform your backyard into a buzzing oasis for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators. Remember that every little bit helps! Even planting a few native wildflowers in a container can make a difference.

As summer progresses, remember to keep your water sources filled and monitor your plants for pests. Keep deadheading your flowering plants to encourage even more blooms.

Share photos of your pollinator-friendly gardens on Instagram using #BetterHomesHarvestsPollinators. We'd love to see what you're growing!