Titchmarsh hatches a plot to save our pollinator insects
ALAN TITCHMARSH has inspired countless numbers of people to try out different gardening techniques – now this summer he hopes to have an influence on what could be the most important project of his career.
Titchmarsh wants gardeners across the country to provide a refuge for struggling butterflies, moths and other pollinators and has come up with a series of simple tips that people can use in making it happen.
Launching the Butterfly Conservation organisation’s ‘Plots for Pollinators’ campaign, Titchmarsh, the charity’s vice president, says: “The future of our butterflies, moths and other pollinating insects is under threat, as the places where they live are disappearing.
“The cold start to spring may affect how some butterflies fare this year, as they could experience a delayed emergence, meaning they’ll have less time to feed and breed – but you can help by creating some ‘plots for pollinators’.
“There are so many different flowers that are great nectar sources, like catmint, cosmos or calendula,” he adds.
“See if you can find just one square metre and you could attract lots of butterflies this spring and summer, like my favourite – the red admiral. It doesn’t have to be on the lawn either – you could create a vertical garden on a bit of unused wall or fence and this would make a huge difference for pollinators.”
The project encourages people to set aside one square-metre of their garden or outdoor space to plant a nectar-rich flowerbed, or a colourful container garden.
Previously widespread species, such as the small tortoiseshell and garden tiger moth, have seen their numbers plummet in recent years.
Titchmarsh says those who want to get involved should choose a suitable space – ideally in a sunny and sheltered position.
Pots should be grouped together on a patio and plants grown up a fence or wall.
Alternatively, gardeners can commit an area of flowerbed to the task, using open-flowered, nectar-rich plants.
He says that once established, it is important to keep watering the plot regularly – from a water butt if possible, as this is more environmentally friendly. Frequent watering prevents plants from drying out during a spell of hot weather, especially when in containers, and helps flowers to produce more nectar.
Remember to water the soil, not the plant, as larger leaves can act as an umbrella which prevents water getting to the roots.
Removing the rose from your watering can will help to get nearer the plant base if necessary.
Putting a layer of mulch on the surface of the soil around the plants will help prevent water evaporation and suppress weed growth, while using peat-free compost and cutting down on your use of plastic will assist the environment.
For extra eco-friendly points, old tins and tubs can be turned into plant pots by those who are feeling creative.
But remember to drill drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
It is also important to dead-head blooms after flowering, as this keeps plants looking attractive and encourages more blooms.
Titchmarsh also hopes people will encourage people living nearby to get involved. “Inspire your neighbours to plant a plot for pollinators to create a flowery ‘super highway’ for the pollinating insects where you live,” he says.
His final tip is to avoid using harmful pesticides, by removing slugs and snails by hand instead. Night is the best time to catch these marauding molluscs in action, which can then be released a safe distance from the plot.
For more information, visit butterfly-conservation.org/PlantPlots