With fewer honeybees these days, it’s time to welcome
alternative pollinators into your garden. We’ve all heard the news: Populations
of the honeybee are declining. Factors such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and
diseases have taken a toll on these heroes of the horticultural world.
The story that seldom gets attention is that for home
gardeners there are plenty of native pollinators. Roughly 4,000 species of bees
are native to North America, including approximately 45 types of bumblebees.
Plus, many types of flies, certain wasps, and even butterflies and bats can act
as pollinators.
By attracting a diversity of these beneficial visitors,
pollination in your garden will improve. Thus, yields of edible crops like
tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, and berries will increase. You can take
three steps to welcome pollinators to your garden.
1. PROVIDE NECTAR AND POLLEN RICH PLANTS, INCLUDING NATIVES AND
HERBS. The native pollinators in our region have co-evolved with the native
plants, so use native wildflowers to draw them to your yard. To maintain a
population of pollinators, it is important to have plants in bloom all season
long. Even a small garden can support local pollinators. Herbs can attract native pollinators and
provide them with nourishment, too. Native plants are easy to grow because they
are adapted to our local climate and growing conditions and, once established,
are fairly low-maintenance.
2. ENSURE THAT POLLINATORS HAVE NEST SITES. Many native
pollinators nest underground, so have some open areas. Bumblebees often make their homes in
abandoned mouse and vole tunnels, while others prefer piles of rock. Small bees
may fly only a few hundred yards from their nest when foraging; large bees will
travel a mile or more in search of food. Mixing pollen and nectar plants among
your fruit and vegetables will keep bees close to the plants you want them to
pollinate.
3. STOP USING PESTICIDES. Pesticides are toxic to pollinators.
Pesticides should not be used on plants in bloom. If you must, apply pesticides
either near dark or very early in the morning. At these times, insects are less
active. The best choice is to use natural pesticides and there are many available
today. Visit your local independent garden center for help with the best natural
insect controls to use for different plant pests.
Please consider joining the efforts of the City of
Washington Parks Department and Washington In Bloom to help pollinators with
the 100 Pollinator Garden Challenge Program and claim your garden as a
pollinator habitat. Current gardens that include pollinator plants (blooming
native, perennial and annual plants) can be registered, or you can find an area
in your yard that receives at least 6 hours of sun to plant your garden
including natives, perennials and annuals to provide nectar from April through
October.
To register your garden: bring a picture of your garden
to the Washington Parks Department Office at 1220 Lakeshore Drive in Washington
to register for certification and receive a certificate. Official Certified
Pollinator Garden Metal Signs are also available through Washington Parks
Department for $15.00. The signs are a great way to promote this challenge and
enhance your beautiful garden. Call the Washington Parks Department at 636-390-1080
for more information.
