“Pollinator” is a buzz word (pardon the pun) that’s worth paying attention to. More than just honey bees, pollinators are essentially any small insect or animal including bees and wasps, beetles, butterflies—and even birds and bats!—that moves pollen from plant to plant, allowing for the reproduction and growth of plants. Basically, they are what makes a lot of our food and fiber happen, so they’re pretty important!
Many pollinators, though, are being threatened by environmental conditions. But there are some easy ways to help them out. You don’t have to do anything extraordinary to help save our pollinators; by being mindful about your outdoor practices, you can provide a safe place for bees, butterflies, and other little creatures.
Fall and Winter
Drop the rake
What most people think of as a “healthy” lawn can actually be pretty deceptive. That perfectly manicured, golf-course carpet of green is, in fact, one of the biggest threats to the environment: synthetic fertilizers leach nitrates and contaminate ground water, herbicides and pesticides harm many organisms (including us), and according to the EPA, an hour of lawn mower operation produces as many emissions as 11 new cars.
And as it turns out, removing leaf debris in the fall and winter is harmful, too. In actuality, this organic debris is good for both the lawn and pollinators! Old leaves, logs, bark, and the other bits of organic matter lying around your yard help protect them in the winter, as many pollinators bury their larvae in these places.
Rake lightly if you must, and don’t till the ground. If you have to trim any trees or bushes back, leave the branches in a pile and avoid composting until spring or summer. Not only will bees thank you, but your soil will, too, as decaying organic matter is essential to to healthy soil.
Spring and Summer
Let it grow!
Aside from just being so cheerful, dandelions are nutritious for people and animals–my chickens love them! They and other “weeds,” flowering and otherwise, provide the diversity that’s important to ecosystems.
It’s been said that dandelions are the first food in spring for bees, and that fact has also been debated, as bees do find early nourishment from trees and other flowering herbs. My personal outlook, though, is that if there’s no actual need to get rid of something that’s growing, let it be.
Clover is another wonderful “weed” that provides tons of nourishment for honey bees. If you don’t have any growing already, plant some!
Say no to sprays…
Avoid using herbicides and remove weeds manually. If you absolutely must use an herbicide, just make sure you are doing it in the prescribed way. Not all chemicals are the same, and not all plants react the same. Read all directions and do your research; make sure you’re applying the correct type, at the right time, and in the proper quantity.
As for pesticides, even organic ones can be harmful to pollinators, so avoid the use of these all together.
Plant more
Having a wide variety of chemical-free flowers, herbs, and vegetables is a wonderful way to not only support pollinators, but also provide beauty and nourishment for yourself.
Native flowers are excellent for pollinator support. You will likely want to research plants that are native to your area, but here in the midwestern US, beebalm, clover, coneflower, ironweed, milkweed, and sunflowers are just a few varieties that are not only beautiful, but beneficial.
Other great herbs to plant for pollinators include lavender, borage, yarrow, dill and fennel, bergamot, zinnias, cosmos, and asters. The more variety, the better!
Simple common sense and a more natural approach to gardening and lawn care can do a lot toward helping save our pollinators.
