Plan a sequence of blooms and habitat features that can help local bees and butterflies. The most useful plan is one that suits your local conditions and can adjust as you learn what works.
Provide flowers across the season
A mix of bloom times can offer nectar and pollen from spring through fall. Choose plants suited to your region and growing conditions, then combine annuals, perennials, shrubs, and herbs where space allows.
Open, single flowers are often easier for many insects to access than tightly packed double forms. Local native plant societies and extension services can suggest regionally appropriate options.
Add shelter as well as food
Pollinator-friendly gardening is more than flowers. Leave some bare, well-drained soil for ground-nesting bees where appropriate, and keep a few stems or leaf patches undisturbed through winter.
Avoid pesticides when pollinators are active. If a pest problem needs action, identify it first, use integrated pest management, and follow label directions and local guidance.
Notice what visits
Spend a few minutes observing which insects arrive and when. A simple garden notebook can reveal which plants are most useful in your yard.
Wildlife varies by region and habitat. Aim to create a mosaic of food, water, and cover that fits the species already present locally.
Planting windows, pests, and recommended varieties vary across the United States. Check your state or county cooperative extension, local native plant society, and plant labels for location-specific guidance.
This article provides general gardening information. It is not a guarantee of plant performance. Follow product labels and local guidance, especially when using fertilizers, pesticides, or other garden products.
