How to Create a Pollinator-Friendly Garden

You’ve probably seen the “Save the Bees” campaigns, but you might not realize just how essential these creatures are to our planet. Bees, along with other pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, are responsible for maintaining the health of our ecosystems and the strength of our food supplies. Without them transferring pollen from plant to plant, our planet would look a whole lot different—and not in a good way. 

Sadly, pollinator populations have been consistently declining since the early 2000s. Pesticide use, climate change, and habitat loss have all contributed to their dwindling numbers. But supporting your local pollinators is actually a lot easier than you might think. If you’ve got a backyard, a balcony, or just a couple of planters, you can create a space that truly helps. Here are a few tips to build a pollinator-friendly garden from the ground up.

Clear Out the Area

To kick off your project, asses the plants that are currently growing there. You’ll need to remove any invasive species before native plants can thrive in your garden. These harmful plants can choke out local flora and take up valuable space that could be used to support pollinators.

If you’re clearing a lot of overgrowth, brush, or roots, make sure you dispose of it properly. Avoid burning or dumping it somewhere it doesn’t belong. Instead, look into eco-friendly solutions like yard waste dumpsters that can handle your garden scraps responsibly. That way, your efforts to build a pollinator-friendly garden won’t accidentally harm the environment in the process.

Use Native Plants

Next, incorporate the plant species that are naturally intended to grow in your area. Native plants have evolved alongside local pollinators and are better equipped to provide them with the precise kinds of pollen, nectar, and shelter they need. While planting indigenous species creates a habitat that supports pollinators, it’s also a great way to reduce your garden’s maintenance. Since they’re already adapted to your region’s climate, they can thrive with minimal human intervention. 

Add a mix of flowers with different colors, shapes, and blooming periods to help your garden attract a wider variety of species. Consider options like bee balm, milkweed, asters, and goldenrod. These are great choices that are native to most parts of the US, but check which are most suited to your area for best results.

Create Shelters and Water Sources

Once you’re done planting, you’ll need to add some places where pollinators can make nests. To help your local bee population, leave any patches of bare soil or smaller piles of brush untouched. About 70% of bees make their nests underground, so this will allow them to lay their eggs and raise their offspring. For butterflies, plant some trees or shrubs where they can rest and find shelter from cool breezes.

Just like humans, pollinators need water sources to survive. To ensure they have an easily accessible supply, add a couple of shallow dishes and place pebbles or other small objects in the bottom. Bees and butterflies can’t swim, so these give them a place to stand while they drink the water. 

Conclusion

You don’t need a huge yard or a green thumb to make a difference. By creating a space that attracts and nurtures pollinators, you can help the environment in a meaningful way. If we all just make a few simple efforts to support these amazing creatures, we can lend a helping hand to rebuilding their numbers.