During the hot summer months, feeding pollinators and providing them with fresh water is critical. This also involves creating environments and providing resources that support their life cycles.
Here are several ways to feed and support pollinators beyond planting
wildflowers:
1. Planting a Diverse Range of Native Plants
Flowering Trees and Shrubs: Many pollinators rely on trees and shrubs for nectar and
pollen. Examples include willows, maples, cherry, almond, and dogwood.
Herbs and Vegetables: Plants like basil, lavender, mint, marjoram, and various flowering
vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, squash, and cucumbers) can attract pollinators
and increase the quality and quantity of your crop.
2. Providing Continuous Blooms
Staggered Bloom Times: This is a key element to helping pollinators of all species. Plant
types of native varieties that bloom at different times of the year to ensure a constant
food supply. This means having plants that flower in early spring, summer, and fall.
Pollinators are like us, they’re frequently hungry!
3. Creating Habitat Features
Water Sources: Birdbaths and fountains are an easy way to provide shallow, fresh water sources. Add pebbles, rocks, or floating materials for pollinators to land on while drinking. If you have a pool, add some small floating items for wasps and bees to access to dry off and fly away.
Nesting Sites: Install bee hotels for solitary bees, leave patches of bare soil and leaves
for ground-nesting bees, and create brush piles for shelter. Bumblebees and fireflies
love these.
Butterfly Puddling Stations: Shallow dishes with moist sand or soil provide minerals for
butterflies. (see our upcoming blog on recipes for butterflies for more on this!)
4. Reducing Pesticide Use
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): There’s a new acronym for you! Use pest control
methods that minimize harm to pollinators, such as biological controls and organic
pesticides. Even a simple diluted water and dish soap mix can chase off aphids and
other pests without harming pollinators.
Organic Gardening: Emphasize organic practices that reduce or eliminate synthetic
pesticides and fertilizers. A healthy soil that utilizes mulch will provide the best outcome
for any garden.
5. Growing Plants with High Nectar and Pollen
Nectar-Rich Flowers: Examples include sunflowers, cosmos, coneflowers, and salvias.
Actually, any flowering herb and native wildflower will benefit pollinators and make your
home more beautiful!
Pollen-Rich Plants: Dandelions, hollyhocks, and poppies are excellent sources of
pollen. Bees and other pollinators store up pollen as a source of protein during the
winter months.
6. Establishing Pollinator-Friendly Lawns
Clover and Wild Grasses: Incorporate clover and low-growing wildflowers into lawns to create a more diverse and pollinator-friendly habitat. Ask your local nursery about the dozens of grasses available to your area. You may find some that are lower maintenance as well! win-win!
Mowing Practices: Reduce the frequency of mowing to allow flowers to bloom. We
suggest allowing grass to grow an extra inch and a half and even higher in non-traffic areas.
7. Supporting Migratory Pollinators
Plant Milkweed for Monarchs: Planting milkweed supports the lifecycle of monarch
butterflies. Monarchs are in decline and could even become extinct if we don’t act to
protect them. Every acre of milkweed helps to support hundreds of these species as
they transverse between Mexico and Canada.
Habitat Corridors: Create connected habitats that help migratory species travel and find
food. Even if you just have a porch or balcony, an oasis of blooming plants will provide a
rest stop for pollinators as they look for homes and food sources.
8. Community and Urban Gardens
Pollinator Gardens: Establish community gardens focused on pollinator-friendly plants.
We help dozens of schools, churches, clubs, and communities establish and grow
pollinator-friendly gardens which can also provide fruits and vegetables for the
community.
Green Roofs and Walls: Utilize rooftop gardens and green walls in urban settings to
provide additional habitat. Almost every rooftop in downtown Toronto, Ontario is covered
with a living green roof. These not only help save pollinators but lower the temperatures
during summer months, reduce C02, and provide the buildings with LEED credits!
9. Educational Initiatives
Workshops and Outreach: Educate the community on the importance of pollinators and
how to support them. Look for our coming section on Pollination Education for home-
schooling and classroom content and activities!
School Programs: Involve schools in planting and maintaining pollinator gardens.
10. Creating Overwintering Sites
Leave Leaves: Allow leaf litter to accumulate in some areas to provide overwintering
sites for insects.
Dead Wood: Leave dead trees and logs as habitat for various pollinators. Fallen trees
can be moved to border areas of your property and are habitats for so many species.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a more supportive environment for
pollinators, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive throughout the year.
Creating homemade water and sugar solutions for hummingbirds and bees can be a
great way to support these pollinators.
It is essential to use the right proportions and
avoid harmful substances to ensure their health.
So, let’s talk about creating additional food for bees and hummingbirds!
For Hummingbirds - Homemade Nectar Recipe
Ingredients:
1-part white granulated sugar
4 parts water
Instructions:
Boil the water to kill any impurities.
Mix the sugar into the hot water until it is completely dissolved.
Let the solution cool to room temperature before filling the feeder.
Do not add red dye, honey, or artificial sweeteners.
Example:
To make 1 cup of nectar: Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 cup water.
Maintenance:
Clean the feeder every few days (more often in hot weather) to prevent mold and
bacteria growth.
For Bees - Homemade Sugar Water Recipe
Ingredients:
1-part white granulated sugar
1 part water
Instructions:
Heat the water to make it easier to dissolve the sugar.
Mix the sugar into the hot water until it is fully dissolved.
Let the solution cool to room temperature before offering it to the bees.
Example:
To make 1 cup of sugar water: Mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water.
Feeding Tips:
Use shallow dishes with pebbles or stones so that bees can land safely without
drowning. Place the dishes in a sunny, sheltered spot in your garden.
Important Tips for Both Hummingbirds and Bees
Avoid Using Honey:
Honey can harbor spores that cause fungal infections in birds and
bees.
Avoid Artificial Sweeteners: These do not provide the necessary energy and can be
harmful.
Avoid Red Dye: Red dye is unnecessary and can be harmful to hummingbirds.
Cleanliness: Regularly clean feeders and dishes to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria,
and fermentation.
By following these guidelines, you can provide a safe and nutritious supplement to the
natural food sources of hummingbirds and bees.
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