What’s the Buzz About Pollinator Gardens?

Everyone is talking about pollinator gardens, so why are they so important? For starters, over ¾ of our food is pollinated by insects and animals in order for it to grow. By creating a pollinator garden, we provide pollen and nectar to feed our pollinators as well as help our environment. Are you ready to get started to build a pollinator garden?

When planning a pollinator garden you need to start with a good location that will receive plenty of sun since pollinators love to bask in the sun each day. Once you find the perfect spot, find some flowers in your climate zone that would attract pollinators in your area and do well in the sun. Another great addition would be a native bee home which you can make or purchase a prefabricated one. Finally, make sure you have a source of water as pollinators need to stay hydrated throughout their flights.

Let’s start digging and make a huge impact for our pollinators and our environment. You can help our native and honey bees receive the food they need while they fly to pollinate over 75% of our food supply each year. Make a powerful impact on our environment just like the pollinators do, by supplying food and water for the amazing insects every day!

What are the steps to creating a pollinator garden?

1. Research pollinators in your area.

2. Locate a sunny spot to create the garden.

3. Determine what native plants will attract pollinators.

4. Don’t forget a water source and even a native insect home for your garden.

5. Sit back and relax as you watch the pollinators put on The Pollination Show as they thank you for helping both them and the environment.

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Is my small pollinator garden really worth the time and effort?

Let’s circle back to the fact that pollinators need nectar, pollen, and water to survive and continue to pollinate 75% of our foods. Since your pollinator garden has all the key elements to help pollinators it is definitely worth it. The bonus of your efforts includes helping the environment, continuing to help the pollination of our food, and a beautiful garden to observe some amazing and powerful pollinators.

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Written By Julie Reed

Planet Bee STEM Educator