The Buzz About Pollinators: A Beginner's Guide to a Bee-Friendly Garden
The first hum of bees flitting from blossom to blossom is one of the sweetest sounds of spring. It’s a tiny melody of life, echoing the promise of a bountiful harvest and a vibrant garden. But this essential music is fading, and our pollinator friends need our help. From bees to butterflies to hummingbirds, these creatures are vital to our food systems and the beauty of our landscapes. Without them, our gardens would be barren, and our dinner plates a lot less full.
In this post, you'll learn simple steps to transform your backyard into a haven for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators. Even small changes can make a big difference!
Why Pollinators Matter (And Why They're in Trouble)
Pollinators are responsible for the reproduction of about one-third of the world’s food crops. They transfer pollen from one flower to another, fertilizing the plant and enabling it to produce fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Without them, we wouldn't have many of the foods we enjoy daily, from apples and berries to almonds and coffee.
Unfortunately, pollinator populations are declining at an alarming rate. Habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change are all contributing to this crisis. By creating pollinator-friendly gardens, we can provide essential food and shelter for these vital creatures and help them thrive.
7 Simple Steps to Attract Pollinators to Your Garden This Season
Ready to roll up your sleeves and help the pollinators? Here are seven easy-to-implement solutions for creating a bee-friendly and butterfly-filled garden.
1. Choose the Right Plants
The single most important thing you can do to attract pollinators is to choose the right plants. Opt for native plants whenever possible, as they are best adapted to your local climate and provide the most nutritious food for native pollinators. Choose a diverse selection of plants that bloom at different times throughout the season to provide a continuous food source.
Here are some plant recommendations for the Midwest region:
| Plant | Bloom Time | Pollinator Attracted |
|---|---|---|
| Bee Balm | Summer | Bees, Hummingbirds |
| Coneflower | Summer-Fall | Bees, Butterflies |
| Milkweed | Summer | Monarch Butterflies |
| Aster | Fall | Bees, Butterflies |
| Goldenrod | Fall | Bees, Butterflies |
Consider planting in clusters or masses of the same plant species. This makes it easier for pollinators to find and access their favorite nectar sources.
2. Avoid Pesticides, Herbicides, and Insecticides
Pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides are toxic to pollinators and can have devastating effects on their populations. Avoid using these chemicals in your garden altogether. Instead, opt for organic gardening practices.
- Manual Removal: Handpick pests off plants or use a strong stream of water to dislodge them.
- Beneficial Insects: Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on common garden pests.
- Neem Oil: Use neem oil as a natural insecticide.
- Companion Planting: Plant herbs and flowers like marigolds and basil, which repel certain pests.
3. Provide a Water Source
Pollinators need water, just like any other living creature. Provide a shallow dish of water with pebbles for bees to land on and drink. The pebbles prevent them from drowning. A bird bath can also work, but make sure the water is shallow enough for smaller pollinators to access.
Regularly clean the water source to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
4. Create a Butterfly Puddling Station
Butterflies often "puddle" to obtain essential minerals and salts. Create a butterfly puddling station by filling a shallow dish with sand or soil and keeping it consistently moist. You can also add a small amount of sea salt or wood ashes to the soil to provide additional nutrients.
Place the puddling station in a sunny location where butterflies can easily find it.
5. Build a Bee House
Solitary bees, like mason bees and leafcutter bees, are excellent pollinators. Provide them with nesting habitat by building a simple bee house. You can purchase a bee house or easily make one yourself using a block of wood drilled with holes of varying sizes.
Hang the bee house in a sunny, sheltered location, facing east or southeast.
6. Leave the Leaves (And the Stems)
Resist the urge to completely clean up your garden in the fall. Many pollinators overwinter in leaf litter and plant stems. Leaving these undisturbed provides them with essential shelter during the cold winter months.
Cut back dead plant stems in the spring, after the pollinators have emerged. Leave some of the leaf litter in place as mulch and habitat.
7. Plant for All Seasons
The most effective way to support a healthy pollinator habitat is to plan for all seasons. Early spring blooms feed bees emerging from hibernation, summer flowers support peak populations, and late-blooming plants provide a vital food source before winter.
Early Spring: Crocus, Snowdrops, Hyacinth
Spring: Tulips, Allium, Lilac
Summer: Bee Balm, Coneflower, Lavender
Fall: Aster, Goldenrod, Sedum
I noticed a dramatic increase in butterfly activity after planting milkweed, particularly during the summer months. Their caterpillars munched happily on the leaves.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Even small changes can make a big difference in supporting our pollinator populations. By providing them with food, water, shelter, and a pesticide-free environment, we can help them thrive and ensure the health of our gardens and our planet.
This fall, consider planting bulbs that will provide early spring blooms for pollinators. It's a simple way to give them a head start in the new growing season.
Share photos of your pollinator-friendly gardens using #BetterHomesHarvestsPollinators. Download our FREE guide to pollinator-friendly plants for the Midwest by subscribing to our email list!