According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pollinators such as bees, birds, and butterflies are responsible for one in every three bites of food we take! Crazy, right? Also, pollinators help increase U.S. crop values by more than $15 billion each year. So, if that’s the impact on the U.S. as a whole, imagine the boost pollinators will give your garden.
First, Have You Considered Growing a Butterfly Garden?
Because pollinators play such a crucial role in our ecosystem, we’re offering gardeners the chance to learn how to grow a butterfly garden right in their backyard. Sign up today to learn the secrets, tips, and tried and tested methods of growing a butterfly garden straight from a master gardener and certified butterfly expert.
The Best Plants for Attracting Pollinators
If you’re interested in attracting pollinators without necessarily growing an entire butterfly garden, you can also consider plants that attract our beneficial friends. Below you’ll find helpful Know How on some of the most popular plants for attracting pollinators. Click the image to learn more:
Many plants can also be hand pollinated. If you’re the type of gardener who prefers doing the dirty work yourself, or you simply need to hand pollinate for whatever reason, learn more about hand pollination here.
Inviting Specific Pollinators Into Your Garden
A number of different species are capable of pollination. However, three specific ones do the bulk of the work. Learn more about attracting bees, butterflies, and birds to your garden.
Attracting Bees
In nearly any garden, bees do the most work. That’s why it makes sense to develop a plan for attracting bees.
The first step is figuring out which flowering plants they like, and where you want to plant them.
Attracting Butterflies
When it comes to pollination, there’s no real substitute for having bees in your garden. However, butterflies can most certainly help with pollination, in addition to providing some beauty in your backyard.
Believe it or not, attracting butterflies is quite easy once you know what plants they enjoy.
Attracting Hummingbirds
Much like butterflies, hummingbirds are no substitute for bees when it comes to pollination. They do, however, help in the pollination process, and they are a lot of fun to watch as they flutter around in your garden.
What Other Animals and Insects Help With Pollination?
While bees, butterflies, and birds are among the most common species who play a role in pollination, they are far from the only ones. In fact, some other animals and insects that you wouldn’t expect are actually also vital in the pollination process. Click the images below to get even more Know How.
Do you have a specific question about pollination? Visit our questions website today and get your answers straight from our experts.
