Question: I want to plan a pollinator garden and was wondering what I need to do?
Planting a pollinator garden is a good thing to do because pollinators have been in a decline for several decades. No insects will result in no food. About three-fourths of all flowering plants are pollinated by insects, as well as the crops that produce more than one-third of the world's food supply. Even one pollinator-friendly plant makes a significant difference! Even regular homeowners can have a powerful impact, namely by planting native flowers, trees, and pollinator host plants, providing pollinator nesting sites and creating a refuge from pesticides. So let's get started to plant a pollinator garden at your home.
The first thing to do is to find a good location. Butterflies and most pollinators like to be in full sun. It is also good to know your soil type—sandy, loam or clay—because that will determine to some extent which plants will best work in your pollinator garden. Native plants are the ideal choice, because they require less maintenance and tend to be hardier. If possible, find a native plant nursery that is near you and that can be helpful in identifying the plants that are native to your area. Some websites, such as the California Native Plant Society, can also be very helpful.
It is best to find perennial natives as that will require less annual maintenance. Pollinators need nectar early in the spring, throughout the summer and even into the fall. Hence, you should select plants for continuous bloom throughout the growing season from spring to fall in order to attract insects during that period. Few plants will bloom for that entire time, but choosing plants that bloom at different times will help you create a bright and colorful garden that both you and pollinators will love for months. Include flowers with diverse shapes and colors to attract a wide range of pollinators.
After identifying your plant species, you'll need to decide whether to use seeds or start with small plants. While both are good options, your choice will depend on your timeline and budget. Seeds are more economical, especially for larger gardens, but will require more time. If you're using seeds, plan on dispersing them in the fall or late winter ahead of your summer growing season. Nursery-started plants cost more. However, they will generally provide a quick return on your investment and bring pollinators into your yard during the same growing season.
If you're converting an existing lawn, you will need to remove grass and current plant cover and turn your soil to loosen it up. If you are planning on using raised beds or containers, there are a lot of pre-made options available, as well as simple designs to build your own. No matter where you decide to plant your garden, you'll want to add nutrient-rich compost or soil to improve the success of your garden.
It may take some time, but you will eventually see butterflies and other pollinators enjoying your garden. Make sure to weed and water your garden to keep it healthy. Keep in mind that it may take a couple seasons for plants such as milkweed, which monarch butterflies love, to start producing flowers.
A few other things to consider when planning your pollinator garden:
- Add water sources, such as shallow dishes with pebbles, to give pollinators a place to drink.
- Research and include host plants that support the larvae stages of butterflies and moths, such as milkweed for monarchs or fennel for Anise Swallowtail , to help sustain their life cycles.
- Consider grouping plants in clusters to make it easier for pollinators to locate them.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture while allowing ground-nesting bees access to bare soil.
Good luck and may all your flowers find pollinators.