How To Attract Pollinators To Your Vegetable Garden
For a successful vegetable garden, the presence of pollinators is essential! Here are some tips on how to bring more pollinators to your garden and keep them around:
Grow Pollinator-Friendly Flowers
Pollinator-friendly flowers are the right kind of flowers for attracting and nurturing pollinators. Choose flower varieties that have:
- A consistent source of nectar
- Attractive colors
- Showy petal shapes
It’s also helpful to select flowers that are native to the region and will bloom throughout the growing season.
Provide Nectar Sources
Flower nectar is a valuable food source for pollinators, so make sure your garden has a steady source of nectar. You can do this by planting many different types of flowering plants and providing them with extra sources of nectar, such as sugar water.
Add Natural Elements
In addition to flowers, shrubs and trees, adding natural elements to your garden can also help attract pollinators. A shady area with logs or rocks where pollinators can retreat is important. A shallow pond with a woody or rock edge will also create a source of water for pollinators.
Minimize Pesticide Use
Most garden sprays and pesticides will kill beneficial insects like pollinators. It is important to minimize your pesticide use and opt for more natural forms of pest control. You can use products such as diatomaceous earth to rid your garden of pests without harming pollinators.
Promote Pollinator Habitats
You can encourage pollinators in your garden by providing habitats for them. Bumblebee and mason bee houses, shelters made of clay and paper, and even bee hotels are great options. These will provide sustenance and shelter for local pollinators.
