Pollinators are a vital part of a healthy garden
A thriving backyard garden requires homeowners to take steps to ensure that the garden has the best environment in which to grow and thrive. The right tools and components, including trowels, rakes, soil, amendments and fertilizer, can help gardeners create beautiful spaces. It is also important that pollinators feel welcome in the garden.
The Pollinator Partnership, an organization that works to protect pollinators and their habitats across North America, has stated that pollinators include bees, butterflies, beetles, birds and bats. These animals travel from plant to plant, carrying pollen on their bodies.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that one-third of all agricultural output depends on pollinators. Insects and other animal pollinators are vital to the production of healthy crops for food, fibers, edible oils, medicines and other products. Pollinators are also essential for maintaining habitats and ecosystems that many wild animals rely on for food and shelter.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, humans and all of the Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems could not survive without pollinators. Pollinators are make-or-break components of large-scale agriculture and are just as important to private home gardens. The following are some ways to maintain healthy pollinator habitats.
• Consider the soil and the types of plants that will thrive in it before choosing what to plant. Fix drainage issues, and plant with sunlight in mind.
• Vary the colors and shapes of plants to attract a greater array of pollinators. Plant flowers close to vegetable gardens to attract pollinators.
• Group varying plants together to more effectively attract pollinators.
• Select plants that flower at different times of the year so that nectar and pollen sources are available year-round.
• Whenever possible, choose native plants.
• Avoid the use of pesticides.
• Provide a water source for pollinators, such as a shallow dish with stones halfsubmerged for perching.
Pollinators are important for gardens, whether those gardens are commercial operations or small backyard plots. When homeowners allow pollinators to share spaces and are mindful of behaviors that can threaten the creatures’ survival, both gardens and wildlife can benefit.