How To garden to attract pollinators

• About
• Latest Posts

Ashley

Ashley is a soil scientist who has had a passion for plants since she was a small child. In the long summers as a child, she would garden alongside her grandmother and it was then that she realized her love for greenery. With years of great studying, Ashley had begun her post-secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan. After years of working in agriculture R&D she has decided to take on teaching gardeners using science.

Latest posts by Ashley (see all)

• Canada’s Growing Zones Are Changing 2024 - January 12, 2024
• Attracting Wildlife To The Garden - May 16, 2023
• How To Garden Near A Septic Tank - May 9, 2023

Growing plants that attract pollinators is an important way to preserve regional ecosystems and advance biodiversity in Canada. This is especially true in the prairie provinces. Because the reproduction of so many plant species is dependent on pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, the recent decline in the populations of these creatures has caused cause for concern.

Gardeners in Canada are in luck since there are a number of simple steps they can take to transform their outside space into a welcoming environment for pollinators.

If you are new to this blog my name is Ashley and I am a soil scientist. I am located in a Canadian Zone 3 and a USDA Zone 4. I write articles, make YouTube videos, Instagram & Facebook posts all designed for Canadians and Cold Climate gardeners using science-based methods. If you are looking for anything specific be sure to let me know in the comments down below.

Plant Diversity Is Key!

One of the most effective ways to attract pollinators to your garden is to include a wide variety of plants that are native to the area. It is common knowledge that native plants have successfully adapted to their surroundings and are widely recognized as being important sources of food for pollinators in the region.

According to the website of the Government of Canada on pollinator health, “providing a diverse range of bloom dates can help guarantee that pollinators have food throughout the growing season.” The majority of the food consumed by native pollinators comes from flowering plants, shrubs, and trees.

Avoid Chemicals & Pesticide Usage

For those who are interested in gardening, avoiding the use of pesticides is an essential practice. According to a statement released by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, pesticides have the potential to have an impact on pollinators, particularly bees, and as a result, they should be used with caution in areas where it is known that pollinators eat.

Instead, you should think about utilizing integrated pest management tactics, which rely on the natural enemies of the pests as well as other forms of non-toxic control. One form of this would be biological controls which work wonderfully for this application.

Nesting Areas & Protection

You can be of assistance to pollinators in various ways, such as by providing them with a place to nest and a place to remain. Putting up nesting boxes, making a pile of dead wood, or planting wildflowers are all great ways to attract local pollinators who dig burrows or build their nests underground. Nesting boxes are also a great alternative to traditional nesting areas.

Finally, it is essential to have patience because it will take some time to create an atmosphere that is suitable for pollinators. In addition to this, it is essential that you pay attention to the many types of pollinators that exist in the area and adjust your gardening strategies appropriately.

References:

Canada’s federal government (n.d.). Pollinator fitness Citation taken from https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/wildlife-plants-species/pollinator-health.html

Canada’s Agriculture and Food (n.d.). Pollinators and pesticides. The information was obtained from https://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/science-and-innovation/agricultural-practices/pest-management/pesticides-and-pollinators/?id=1411388056593.