plants for pollination in the garden. A field of zinnias for pollinators

What to Grow for Pollination in the Garden

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Pollination is a critical process for the reproduction of many plants, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers. By understanding what to grow for pollination in the garden, you can help ensure the health and productivity of your garden even if you are a beginning gardener.

what to grow for pollination in the garden to help your garden grow

Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male parts (anthers) of a flower to the female parts (stigma) of the same or another flower. This transfer allows fertilization to occur, leading to the production of seeds and fruit.

Pollination can happen through various means, including wind, water, and animals. However, most often, it is carried out by pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, birds, and bats. These pollinators move from flower to flower in search of nectar and, in the process, inadvertently transfer pollen, facilitating the reproduction of plants.

Habitat loss, planting of non-native plants that become invasive plants, climate change, the use of herbicides to kill off pollen sources, and improper use of pesticides in recent years have contributed to the decline of some of our most important pollinators.

a vegetable garden growing

Planting pollinator-friendly plants in organic pollinator-friendly gardens can help reduce loss of habitat and provide a food supply to these beneficial insects that we need for our species to survive. Adding a water source to your pollinator habitat can also play an important role in taking the first step toward a pollinator partnership and making sure we have food crops in years to come.

Honey bees, bumble bees, and other insect pollinators are some of the most well-know pollinators that play a vital role in keeping our agricultural crops growing with local pollinators. Growing different plants that are native species that support these insects as well as their young such as butterfly larvae will help the future for all of us. 

When Does Pollination Happen?

Pollination typically occurs during the flowering period of plants, which can vary depending on the type of plant and local climate conditions. Most plants bloom in the spring and summer when temperatures are warmer, and there is an abundance of pollinators.

During these seasons, plants produce flowers that attract pollinators, who visit to feed on nectar. As they move from flower to flower, they carry pollen with them, leading to pollination. The timing of pollination is crucial for fruit and seed production, as many plants need to be pollinated during specific periods to produce a successful crop.

a bumble bee pollinating a zinnia in the garden

What is a Pollinator Garden?

A pollinator garden is a garden designed to attract and support pollinators by providing a variety of nectar- and pollen-rich plants, water sources, and habitats. These gardens are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems, as they support the insects and animals responsible for pollination.

A well-designed pollinator garden includes a range of flowering plants that bloom at different times, ensuring a continuous food source throughout the growing season. Additionally, pollinator gardens provide shelter and nesting sites for pollinators, helping to support their populations.

Pollinator Plants to Grow in Your Garden

To attract and support a diverse range of pollinators, consider growing a variety of plants that offer nectar and pollen. Here are some popular pollinator plants to include in your garden:

  1. Lavender: Known for its fragrant flowers, lavender attracts bees and butterflies. It blooms throughout the summer, providing a long-lasting food source.
  2. Sunflowers: These tall, bright flowers are a favorite of bees and butterflies. They also provide seeds for birds, making them a valuable addition to any garden.
  3. Bee Balm (Monarda): With its bright red, pink, or purple flowers, bee balm is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
  4. Coneflowers (Echinacea): Coneflowers have large, daisy-like flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. They are also drought-tolerant and easy to grow.
  5. Milkweed (Asclepias): Essential for monarch butterflies, milkweed provides both nectar for adult butterflies and food for their larvae.
  6. Borage: This herb has star-shaped blue flowers that are rich in nectar, attracting bees and other pollinators.
  7. Zinnias: Zinnias are easy to grow and come in various colors, making them a favorite among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
  8. Salvia: These plants produce spikes of flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds, and they bloom from late spring to fall.
a bumble bee pollinating a sunflower in the garden

In addition to these, consider planting herbs such as thyme, oregano, and rosemary, as well as flowering shrubs like lilac and butterfly bush, to further attract pollinators to your garden.

Hand Pollination

In some cases, natural pollination may not be sufficient, particularly in greenhouses or where pollinator populations are low. Hand pollination is a technique where gardeners manually transfer pollen from one flower to another to ensure fertilization. This method can be especially useful for plants that require cross-pollination, such as squash, melons, and cucumbers.

To hand-pollinate, use a small brush or cotton swab to collect pollen from the male flowers (those with a stamen) and transfer it to the female flowers (those with a stigma). For some plants, gently shaking the flowers can help release pollen. Hand pollination can significantly improve fruit set and yield in situations where natural pollination is limited.

Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is not only beneficial for the plants in your garden but also supports the broader ecosystem by helping pollinator populations thrive. By understanding the process of pollination, growing a variety of pollinator-attracting plants, and using techniques like hand pollination when necessary, you can enjoy a productive and vibrant garden while supporting the vital work of pollinators.

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