Planting for Pollinators

Ravine transformed into pollinator pathway | Local News |  mankatofreepress.com

A really impactful way to combat habitat loss is to start your own pollinator garden. Even if you live in a city and don't have a lot of open yard space, any addition of nectar-rich plants to your home, flower box, or vegetable garden can help pollinators thrive. Plus, it's a beautiful and functional addition to your home!


Before getting started, here are a few tips on how to optimize your planting:

1) Choose native plants.

Plants native to your area require little maintenance and are habitats for your region's wildlife. A quick web search can tell you whether or not a species is native.


2) Have a variety.

Including a mix of different plants in your garden will lengthen the bloom window and allow pollinators to feed for longer. Also, different flower structures attract different pollinators.

 

3) Plant in a cluster.

Rather than scattered planting, a bright mass of flowers is more likely to attract pollinators and will reduce the energy they have to expend flying between plants to feed.


Flowers for Pollinators: 

 Lavender

700+ Free Bee+Lavender & Lavender Images - Pixabay 

 

Milkweed

Swamp Milkweed Plants Bring Monarch Butterflies to Your Garden! 

 

Coneflower

 

 

Zinnia 

Dahlia Flowered Zinnia Seeds | American Meadows 

  • Sunflower



Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs for Pollinators:

  • Melon
  • Strawberries
  • Squash
  • Peppers
  • Chives
  • Basil
  • Mint
  • Rosemary

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