Not all bugs are harmful to plants, and some are even beneficial. Pollinators help plants reproduce, which can help keep your garden growing and thriving. It’s important to set yourself up for success and attract these helpful bugs. We’ve gathered information about pollinators to help you attract them to your garden.
What are Pollinators?
Pollinators are beneficial to gardens. They transfer pollen to different plants as they travel. This aids in plant reproduction and helps flowers, vegetables, and fruit grow. Common pollinators include butterflies, bees, wasps, and even some species of beetles. Some mammals can also be pollinators.
What is Pollination?
Pollination occurs when pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma of a plant. Some plants can self-pollinate. Other plants need help. Pollinators typically drink nectar or feed on pollen. During their travels, they carry pollen on their bodies and transfer it to other plants. Pollination is needed for plants to grow and seeds to develop.
Why Pollinators are so Important
Pollinators help plants that can’t self-pollinate. Without their help, plants would struggle to pollinate. If pollinators didn’t exist, there would be a decrease in plants. This would reduce the supply of fruits and vegetables. It would affect the products made from produce and other plants. These beneficial bugs are also important to the environment because they help to support ecosystems.
What is a Pollinator Garden?
A pollinator garden is a garden with ideal conditions for pollinators. Setting up your garden with pollinators in mind will make it easier to attract these beneficial insects. Pollinator gardens features many flowers that can provide nectar or pollen for a wide range of pollinating insects. Here are a few tips to help you create a pollinator garden.
- Place gardens in sunny areas with some shield from the wind
- Plant a variety of plants and include those known to attract pollinators
- Plan to grow flowers and plants through the entire growing season
- Group flowers together in large clusters
- Feature a water source
- Feature native or non-invasive plants
- Avoid hybrid plants and flowers
- Make sure there are plants that are suitable to the larvae of pollinators
- Include shelter for pollinators including trees and tree limbs for bees
- Be careful when using pesticides
How to Protect Your Plants
Once your pollinator-friendly garden is in place, you’ll want to take good care of the plants. When pests attack, you can use a plant-based insecticide spray. Our 3-in-1 Garden Spray can help prevent and control insects, mites, and fungal diseases. It kills pests on contact and has repellent properties. It doesn’t leave behind harmful residues, which means pollinators will only be harmed if directly sprayed with the product.
Do you have a pollinator garden? What are your go-to maintenance strategies? We want to hear about them! Comment below!
For scientifically-tested, effective pest control in your yard that is friendly to the environment, try Maggie’s Farm pest control products. Our promise is that our plant and mineral-based products are developed by scientists and seasoned pest control professionals to be the most effective.