How to Create a Pollinator Garden

The best thing you can do to help pollinators is to plant a garden where they can eat, rest, and make a home. Adding native plants to your garden is your first step. While getting started can be hard—especially if you’re not a gardener—there’s good news. There are abundant resources online to help you. And best of all? A native plant garden is easier to start and to maintain: it uses less water, and is adapted to make the best use of the soil in which it grows. Over time, it’s a lot less expensive than a lawn or ornamental non-native garden, too! So, where to begin?

  1. National Wildlife Federation can help you decide which plants to add with their handy-dandy Native Plant Finder. You can search by category—for example, grasses and plants or trees and bushes. Native plants vary by region, so it’s important you find your region and match plants to it.

  2. Once you find a list of plants you like, you can think about the kinds of pollinators you’d LOVE to see in your garden. (Please include bees in this list—they’re by far our most effective pollinators!). Just like us, pollinators have their own preferences. Give them what they want, and you’ll get what YOU want: a biodiverse garden that’s fun to watch and tends itself.

    Courtesy of National Parks Service:

3. Once you’ve picked your blooms, you’ll have nectar and seeds so your pollinators know that Chez You is the place to get some great grub. Now, consider providing them with water, too! A birdbath will provide birds with a place to drink and to cool down. Placing a few stones in it will provide a landing place for bees and other buggies to catch a cool sip. Yes—insects need water, too.

4. Habitat loss and lack of available food are two of the three main reasons for pollinator decline. You’ve solved two with your garden! Now, one more VERY. IMPORTANT. STEP.

Don’t use pesticides!

Using pesticides is the same as feeding your pollinators poison. Don’t do it. There are several organizations that sell signs letting people know you’ve taken a pledge to help pollinators and keep your garden safe for pollinators, pets, and kids.

5. You don't have to go it alone. Maximize your impact by rallying neighbors in your town to create a Pollinator Pathway in your town. This grassroots movement aims to connect pollinator gardens in distances that pollinators typically travel from their homes. You’ll each get a sign identifying your yard as part of this amazing project. Beautify your garden, beautify your town…all while saving the world!

Video courtesy of PBS