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Tuesday, May 21, 2019

5 Steps to Create a Pollinator Paradise in Your Own Back Yard

There are simple steps anybody can take to make their own backyard more friendly to pollinators.
Why should you create a pollinator’s paradise?
In short, some pollinator populations are currently under threat, especially bees. Pollination is vital to our food supply and ecosystem. We can all be part of the solution with a few simple steps!

One: Thoughtfully plant a variety of native flowers and plants.
Planting native and non-invasive plants is key. There are many species of invasive plants which have a negative effect on our ecosystems. When possible, invasive species should be identified quickly and removed. Always check your labels and ask for scientific names of plants to be sure you have native varieties. Invasive species out compete and overgrow native plants, and are often introduced to landscapes as ornamentals. Some examples of invasive species to watch out for in Idaho might be purple loose-strife or salt cedar. Learn more about invasive plants here.
When it comes to flowers, it is also best avoid wild flower mixes.
Tip: Look for flat faced flowers, rather than ruffled, double layer petals, as these are more approachable to bees and butterflies.
Your thoughtful planting should consider visual impact on pollinators. It might be good idea to choose an area specific to your pollinators, and plant a swath of plants there. Or, paint the whole yard in flowers and native plants! As long as bees, birds, moths or butterflies can see your blooms easily, they’ll stop by. Be sure to plant a variety of plants, so that your flowers do not bloom all at once. This provides pollen to bees and butterflies for a longer period of time, ensuring they have food for the duration of their lifespan.
Tip: Variety can apply to color, species, shape, height, and more! The more options pollinators have, the more likely they are able to find something they like, at any stage of life.

Two: Provide water for pollinators.
Birdbaths and water features (in every season) are great for birds, bees and butterflies. It’s important to monitor standing water, especially during the warm mosquito breeding season. Be sure to change out water in birdbaths 2-3 times a week. More details here.

Three: Create spaces for shelter.
Bees need spaces to create their homes, whether it be up high or down low! Be sure to leave ground space as native bees are solitary and dwell near the ground. Nesting sites might include dead wood or even messes of twigs and grass on the ground. These can serve as habitable spaces for bees, and even provide overwintering protection. Another consideration is mulching. If there is too much mulch, bees are unable to penetrate the surface for shelter on the ground. Tip:Leaving bare ground or using leaf cuttings or compost in a lighter layer will provide access and protection.

Four: Feed the birds, bees and everything in between.
Provide seed for birds by leaving seed heads and stalks intact for habitat and food to birds and overwintering insects.
When planting, include a few plants which support larvae and adult insect pollinators. It is always best to consider the lifespan of insects and other pollinators, as they may have a food source for one stage of life, but not another. For example: monarch caterpillars only eat milkweed. Without this food source, there is no butterfly to become a pollinator! Here's how to optimize your yard.
Five: Maintain your pollinator garden.
Weed your garden by hand often. Limit your use of pesticides. Pesticides and herbicides can end up killing off beneficial pollinators or insects that are vital pest controllers themselves. In the end, it is best to use as little pesticides or herbicides as possible. Instead, work toward maintaining your soil, and creating a healthy landscape overall, as this is the best way to keep pests or weeds at bay.
Tip: Add compost in the spring, but remember to leave room for ground dwelling bees. Plant species which require less water together. If plants require more water, group them together so they can be watered efficiently.


There are so many approaches you can take to make your backyard pollinator preferred. Here's some links:

Bee Habitat - UIdaho Extension
Idaho Pollinator Protection Plan

 Choose one, and get started today!