Avoid These Mistakes If You're Trying To Attract Pollinators To Your Garden

Creating a pollinator garden is a fantastic way to connect with nature's beauty — unless, of course, the pollinators never show up. Unfortunately, a few pretty flowers aren't always enough to lure them in, especially if there is a certain insect or animal you're trying to attract. Pollinators require nectar-rich food sources, water, shelter, and a pesticide-free environment to thrive, all of which are becoming more difficult for them to find. In a 15-year study conducted by the USDA Forest Service in Georgia, researchers found that the number of bee species declined by nearly 40%, while individual bee populations dropped by over 60%. Butterfly numbers also fell by almost 60% over the same period. We rely on pollinators to produce over one-third of our crops and three-fourths of flowering plants across the world, so it's important to do what we can to help them. Avoid common mistakes like growing non-native plants, using pesticides, keeping your garden too neat, and failing to supply a water source.

Reducing pesticide use is one of the simplest ways to make your garden more inviting to pollinators while also supporting their survival. These chemicals can harm or even kill pollinators, so only use them if it's completely necessary. Instead, opt for eco-friendly solutions, like plants that work as natural pest control that repel unwanted insects or attract natural predators of common garden pests. One notable insect you'll want to attract is the parasitoid wasp, which doesn't harm humans but feeds on scales, aphids, beetles, and other garden nuisances. Aside from pests, they're drawn to shallow flower species with easily accessible nectar, like dill and coriander.

You may have heard that bees tend to be drawn to shades of blue and purple, while the color red will stand out more to hummingbirds. However, it's not just about getting them to notice your garden; you'll want them to continue making appearances. While a colorful bloom may grab their attention, if it doesn't provide the nectar they need, they'll move on in search of a better food source. Do your best to choose native plants, as they tend to naturally provide more nectar, offer more benefits for wildlife, and are generally easier to care for. Avoid invasive species — these can outcompete natives, which pollinators rely on not just for food, but for shelter and even laying eggs. For example, butterflies need native host plants to reproduce and provide food for their offspring.

Even if you don't have a large garden to fill with pollinator-attracting plants, all it takes is a bit of planning to make the most of a small backyard. First, choose a few flower varieties with varying blooming periods so you can offer pollinators nectar from spring to fall. Additionally, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds all have different feeding methods, so planting a mixture of shapes, sizes, and scents will bring a wider variety of beneficial insects and animals. To support generations of butterflies, make sure at least one of your choices is a host plant, like milkweed, which is the sole food source for monarchs.

Providing plenty of nectar is one way to bring more pollinators to your garden, but you'll have better luck if you support all of their needs. Like all animals, they need access to water to survive, but birdbaths and other common sources aren't ideal for bees, butterflies, and other insects. Instead, they seek out shallow areas where they can safely drink or cool off without the risk of slipping or drowning.  To make a drinking station for smaller pollinators, fill a shallow container with water and add plenty of smooth, colorful rocks and a few twigs for insects to land on. Keep the water level slightly beneath the stones so they're easy to land on and keep their bodies from being submerged.

In addition to food and water, pollinators need a place to rest, build nests, and take shelter from predators and harsh weather. To provide the right habitat for pollinators, avoid keeping your garden too neat, as a low-mown lawn and perfectly tended flower beds do not create much shelter for insects. If your goal is to attract hummingbirds to your garden, consider planting a flowering tree or shrub with sturdy, forked branches for them to nest and cover. To provide nesting areas for bees, leave a few areas of your yard undisturbed, and add dead stems, a brush pile, or a log. Alternatively, you can install an insect nest block, such as WILDLIFE FRIEND's Weatherproof Insect Hotel, which provides several hollow wooden areas that mimic their natural nesting habits. Many of these insect houses also attract other beneficial insects like butterflies and ladybugs.