Supporting Pollinators: Bees and Beyond

Pollinating insects are one of the most important players in the garden. They are responsible for pollinating flowers that mature into fruit or viable seed. Without them, food supplies may dwindle, farms will become less productive, and the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables will continue to rise. 

Exactly who are these pollinators? They include the well-known bees, butterflies, and birds, among many others. Some lesser-known but important pollinating insects include moths, flies, beetles, and wasps. Since the large outbreaks of Colony Collapse Disorder in 2006 vital bee populations have been in decline. According to the USDA, this is of special significance as bees are responsible for the pollination of approximately 80 percent of all flowering plants. To help support vital pollinator populations, it is more important than ever that individuals provide habitats and food sources.

Pollination is the process of fertilizing flowers for the production of fruit and seed. A flower’s anthers are the vertical structures that contain the pollen. As visiting insects and animals brush up against them, the pollen sticks to the insect until it is transferred again. As the insects flutter from plant to plant, the pollen is deposited onto the stigma of another flower. The stigma is the female portion of a flower where the pollen is transferred to the ovule for maturation. This stage can sometimes be identified in large blooms, such as cucumber or squash blossoms, by the swelling ovule that develops into fruit. While this process is simple, it is greatly impeded by a lack of nectar and pollen-producing plants near food-production sources, climate changes resulting in less water, and invasive species overtaking native ones. 

While not all flowers provide food for people, they do produce nectar that will help sustain bee populations throughout the season. This is why it is so important to maintain a diverse environment. If a limited selection of the same plants is grown repeatedly, gaps develop in pollinator food sources. Limited plant variety creates a monoculture environment where individual diseases and pests can cause devastating damage that will affect pollinators for years. Variety creates stability. By diversifying home gardens, pollinator populations can also grow in diversity, stability, and strength. Without a constant source of nectar, bees are unable to store up the reserves needed to survive the fall, winter, and early spring seasons. These reserves are commonly known as honey. 

When shopping for honey, common nectar sources such as wildflowers or clover can be seen on the bottles. While these are some of the best options, it is even better to grow a mix of nectar-producing flowers and other plants across home landscapes, vegetable gardens, and along wildland and travel corridors. When growing pollinator-supporting gardens, be sure to utilize integrated pest management practices. These include a variety of methods to deter and remove pests before resorting to pesticide applications that may harm pollinator activity.

While not everyone can plant acres of pollinator-sustaining blooms, individuals can bridge the gaps between habitats by growing a selection of flowers in their home gardens. Flower garden seed assortments are a great way to start an array of flowers with various bloom times, colors, and flower shapes to sustain various pollinators throughout the growing season. Plus, growing a variety of plants will result in natural pest control between plants. Some plants attract beneficial insects known to keep pest populations in check via their aroma, taste, or appearance. Because different pollinators are attracted to different shapes and colors, variety is king! For example, many birds and flies prefer funnel or cup-shaped flowers that allow them to perch. Bees, butterflies, and moths often gravitate towards tubular shapes. 

Ultimately, pollinating insects and animals will access what is available to them. No effort is too small. Simply adding a few flowers to a hanging basket on an apartment balcony or companion planting flowers with edible garden crops will greatly aid local and migrating pollinator populations. For example, monarch butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds rely on plants located along thousands of miles during their migration seasons. When there are long breaks between food sources these species may face food droughts and a lack of protective habitats that will result in continued population decline.

Supporting pollinator populations doesn’t have to be hard. By growing supportive plants and avoiding pesticide application during active pollinator activity, a single individual can support the health of thousands of vital pollinator communities. Get started today by growing an assortment of flowers that will invite pollinators to the home garden, encourage healthy insect activity, and improve fruiting and harvesting yields within the home garden. Limited on space? Not a problem! When several individuals grow just a few flowers throughout urban areas and along common travel paths, such as highways, pollinators are able to access food sources as they travel from home to home. Learn more: www.trueleafmarket.com. 
About the author: Ashleigh Smith is the managing editor at True Leaf Market, with a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University – Idaho. True Leaf Market is a national certified organic, non-GMO seed and horticultural company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The True Leaf Market staff specializes in supplying a large selection of conventional, heirloom and organic seeds to home gardeners and hobbyists everywhere. Learn more: www.trueleafmarket.com.