Make Your Own Pollinator Garden!

Whether you have a few feet on your apartment balcony or several acres, you can make a difference. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to build your own pollinator garden and help ensure the future is filled with pollinators.

Choose your location.

Choose a location for your garden, whether in your yard, a community garden, balcony or windowsill. Consider the amount of sunlight in your location; butterflies and other pollinators like to bask in the sun and some of their favorite wildflowers grow best in full or partial sun with some protection from the wind.

Know soil type and sunlight.

Take a look at your soil - is it sandy and well-drained or more clay-like and wet? Your soil type and the amount of sunlight it gets will help determine the kinds of plants you can grow. Check out the soil mapper to learn more about soil types in your area.

Choose your plants.

Learn more!

Find out which plants are native to your area and will do well in your soil and sunlight conditions. Remember to think about more than just the summer growing season. Pollinators need nectar early in the spring, throughout the summer and even into the fall. Choosing plants that bloom at different times will help you create a bright and colorful garden that both you and pollinators will love for months!

Choose seeds or plants.

Once you’ve identified your plant species, you’ll need to decide whether to use seeds or start with small plants. While both are good options, your choice will depend on your timeline and budget. Seeds are more economical, but require more time and planning before they sprout. Seedlings can be purchased from your local native plant nursery and will grow during that season.

Prep your garden.

If you are starting your garden in your yard, you will want to remove any existing grass or plants and turn the soil. If you are using potters, raised beds, or containers, you can purchase many different types and styles from your local garden store. No matter where you decide to plant your garden, you’ll want to add nutrient-rich compost or soil to improve the success of your garden.

Plant your garden!

If you are using seeds, plant in fall or winter for a garden the following summer. Scatter seeds over the soil and lightly cover. If you are using seedlings, plant them early in the spring but not until after the last frost. Dig a small hole for the roots to go in. Follow guidelines from the seed packet or from your local nursery. Give them a good water and wait!

Watch, water and weed.

Watch your seeds or seedlings grow into full plants, and watch their buds open to reveal beautiful flowers. Make sure to weed and water your garden to keep it healthy. It may take some time, but you will eventually see butterflies and other pollinators enjoying your garden.

Enjoy your garden!

Watch bees, butterflies and other pollinators visit your garden, getting nectar and pollen from the flowers you have provided. If you strategically choose plants for across the seasons, you will be able to enjoy flowers and pollinators from early spring until late fall. Be patient-- it may take a season or two before your garden is really buzzing! Enjoy what you have created and that you are making a difference to save declining pollinator populations!