Attracting Pollinators to the Garden

Pollinators visit gardens for nectar, pollen, water, shelter, and suitable habitat. A garden that offers flowers across the season, limits unnecessary pesticide use, and includes diverse plant shapes can support bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, and other pollinating animals.

Understand Why Pollinators Matter

Many fruits, vegetables, seeds, and wild plants depend partly or heavily on animal pollination.

Provide Flowers Across the Season

Use early, midseason, and late bloomers so forage is available for more than a short period.

Plant More Than One Species

A diverse flower mix supports a wider range of insects than a single ornamental variety.

Use Native Plants Where Appropriate

Native flowers can provide familiar food and habitat for local pollinators.

Include Different Flower Shapes

Long-tongued bees, butterflies, small bees, flies, and beetles use different floral structures.

Plant Flowers in Clusters

Groups of the same species can be easier for pollinators to locate than isolated individual plants.

Use Several Flower Colors

Different pollinator groups respond to different visual cues.

Allow Some Herbs to Bloom

Dill, cilantro, parsley, basil, mint, oregano, and other herbs can provide abundant flowers.

Grow Flowers Near Vegetable Beds

Pollinator-friendly borders can bring insect activity closer to crops that need pollination.

Support Squash and Cucurbit Pollination

Squash, cucumbers, melons, and pumpkins benefit from regular bee visits.

Remember That Tomatoes Behave Differently

Tomatoes are self-fertile but may benefit from vibration by wind or bees.

Do Not Assume More Flowers Guarantee Better Fruit Set

Weather, crop health, temperature, and pollinator abundance all influence results.

Provide Water Safely

Shallow dishes with stones or other landing surfaces can provide drinking water without creating deep drowning hazards.

Keep Water Clean

Replace stagnant water regularly.

Provide Bare Soil for Ground-Nesting Bees

Some native bees nest in exposed or lightly vegetated soil.

Do Not Mulch Every Square Inch

Leaving a few appropriate undisturbed areas can increase nesting opportunities.

Leave Hollow Stems Where Suitable

Some solitary bees use stems and cavities as nesting sites.

Use Bee Hotels Carefully

Artificial nesting structures require cleaning and maintenance to avoid concentrating pests and disease.

Provide Shelter From Wind

Hedges, fences, and vegetation can create calmer foraging areas.

Include Sunny Areas

Many pollinating insects are most active in warm sunny conditions.

Include Some Shade

Diverse habitat gives insects options during extreme heat.

Avoid Unnecessary Insecticide Use

Broad-spectrum treatments can kill beneficial insects along with target pests.

Identify Pests Before Treating

Not every insect on a flower or vegetable plant is harmful.

Follow Pesticide Labels

Observe all restrictions involving blooming plants, bees, application timing, and protective measures.

Avoid Spraying Open Flowers When Possible

Pollinators frequently contact petals, pollen, and nectar directly.

Use Nonchemical Pest Management First When Practical

Hand removal, barriers, sanitation, and cultural practices may reduce the need for insecticides.

Control Weeds Selectively

Some weeds provide forage, but aggressive species can also crowd crops and spread rapidly.

Allow Useful Volunteer Flowers

When manageable, self-seeded flowers can provide additional bloom without replanting.

Grow Host Plants for Butterflies

Adult nectar sources alone do not support species whose caterpillars require specific host plants.

Expect Some Leaf Feeding

A pollinator garden may include caterpillars and other insects that consume foliage as part of their life cycle.

Do Not Remove Every Spent Flower Immediately

Some seed heads and stems provide food or habitat after bloom.

Balance Habitat With Disease Cleanup

Diseased or badly infested plant material should still be managed appropriately.

Observe Which Flowers Receive Visits

Watch plants at different times of day to learn which species attract the most activity.

Photograph Unfamiliar Visitors

Photos can help with later identification without disturbing insects.

Keep Records by Season

Note bloom periods, insect activity, and which plants perform well.

Add More of the Best Performers

Expand plants that provide long bloom periods and regular pollinator visits.

Reduce Poorly Performing Plants

Replace flowers that struggle in the site or require excessive maintenance.

Practical Takeaway

Attract pollinators by offering diverse flowers through the season, providing nesting and water resources, protecting habitat, and minimizing unnecessary pesticide exposure. Observe which plants work best in your own garden and build from those results.