Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect on what we’re grateful for, and in the garden, few things deserve our gratitude more than pollinators. These hardworking insects and animals play a crucial role in helping our plants grow and reproduce, making them essential to the beauty and bounty we enjoy each year. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why pollinators are so important and share some practical tips for supporting them in your garden all year long.
1. Pollinators Keep Our Gardens Thriving
Bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds transfer pollen between flowers, helping plants produce seeds and fruit. Without pollinators, we’d see far fewer blooms, fruits, and vegetables in our gardens. A beautiful garden filled with colorful, productive plants often owes its abundance to pollinators.
Support Tip: Plant a mix of flowering plants that bloom from early spring to late fall. This gives pollinators a reliable food source throughout the growing season, especially during early spring and late fall when food is scarce.
2. They Help Put Food on Our Tables
Pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. Many of the fruits, nuts, and vegetables we enjoy rely on pollination. From juicy strawberries to crunchy almonds, pollinators make these treats possible, supporting both home gardeners and commercial farms alike.
Support Tip: Consider adding edible plants that attract beneficial insects, like blueberries, apples, or squash. Not only will you enjoy fresh, home-grown food, but you’ll also provide another source of sustenance for pollinators in your area.
3. Pollinators Support Biodiversity
A healthy garden isn’t just about the plants; it’s about creating a balanced ecosystem. These garden helpers play a vital role in supporting biodiversity by aiding the reproduction of a variety of plants. This diversity, in turn, attracts other wildlife like birds and beneficial insects, creating a lively, balanced garden.
Support Tip: Include a variety of native plants in your landscape. Native plants are better adapted to local climates and provide the right kind of nourishment for native pollinators. Check with your local extension office for suggestions.
4. They’re a Natural (and Free) Form of Pest Control
Many pollinators, such as certain wasps and hoverflies, also act as natural pest controllers. By eating aphids and other small pests, these pollinators help keep your garden healthy without the need for chemicals, making them a fantastic ally in maintaining a healthy garden.
Support Tip: Avoid using pesticides or herbicides in your garden, especially when plants are in bloom. If pest control is needed, opt for eco-friendly alternatives or use targeted methods to protect your pollinator friends.
5. Pollinators Add Beauty and Movement to the Garden
Watching a butterfly flutter from flower to flower or hearing the buzz of bees as they work is part of what makes a garden feel alive. These flower visitors not only contribute to our garden’s health but also bring an extra level of charm, adding beauty, movement, and sound to the landscape.
Support Tip: Create welcoming habitats, like bee hotels or shallow water dishes, to attract and support different types of pollinators. These features will encourage more pollinators to visit and stay, helping to enliven your garden.
How to Support Pollinators Year-Round
Winter can be a tough time for pollinators, but there are steps you can take to make your garden a safe haven all year long. Here’s how to lend a helping hand in every season:
- Fall: Leave some leaf litter in garden beds for overwintering insects, and resist the urge to cut back all dead plants, as they can provide shelter.
- Winter: Avoid disturbing leaf piles and stems, as these may be harboring dormant pollinators. Consider putting up bee hotels or bundles of hollow stems.
- Spring: Plant early-blooming flowers to provide food as pollinators become active.
- Summer: Water your garden regularly and keep shallow water sources filled for thirsty bees and butterflies.
Show Some Love for Pollinators
This Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to appreciate pollen carriers for all the ways they enrich our lives and our gardens. By making a few simple changes to your garden, you can support these valuable creatures throughout the year, helping them to thrive. Whether you’re planting more flowers, providing water, or creating safe habitats, every small effort helps!
Let’s keep our gardens buzzing with life—be sure to share this post with fellow gardeners, and don’t forget to check out our other articles on creating a pollinator-friendly garden for more ideas.
