Attracting pollinators: Gardening tips

You can't make your plants thrive and produce fruits without pollinators - they are an essential part of nature.

Meanwhile, too many pesticides or other gardening mistakes can scare away or kill all the important insects in your garden.

Here are a few things that you can do to fix the situation.

Colorful Flowers

Plant bright and colorful flowers. 

Pollinators are attracted to colors like purple, blue, and yellow. Flowers like sunflowers, lavender, and marigolds are great choices.

Native Plants

Use native plants that naturally grow in your area. These are like home for local pollinators, so they'll come visit more often.

Variety of Blooms

Plant flowers that bloom at different times of the year. This provides food for pollinators throughout the seasons.

Avoid Pesticides

Try not to use pesticides in your garden. They can harm pollinators. Instead, use natural ways to keep pests away, like ladybugs or neem oil.

Water Source

Provide a small water source like a shallow dish or a birdbath. Pollinators need to drink, too.

Shelter

Some pollinators, like bees, need places to rest and hide. You can create small shelters or leave some areas of your garden a bit wild.

Avoid Hybrids

Some hybrid plants have less nectar and pollen, which pollinators need. Stick to non-hybrid or heirloom varieties.

Avoid Double Blooms

Flowers with lots of petals, called double blooms, can be pretty but have less nectar. Go for single-petal flowers instead.

Smells Matter

Fragrant flowers are a bonus. They attract pollinators with their scent.

Conclusion

If you use your pesticides reasonably and add more flowers to your garden, then you can attract enough pollinators to make your garden thrive. 

Balance is key!
 

• Related news:
• pollination
• insects
• gardening
• tips
• 18 September 2023

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