6 Ways to Help Pollinators Thrive in Your Own Backyard
by Jenna Mendez
3.2 min read
If you’re looking to make a difference this summer, why not start in your own backyard? Pollinators are integral to sustaining a healthy ecosystem and can contribute to the world’s food security. In recent years, the number of pollinators has declined due to habitat loss, pesticides, and the looming effects of climate change. It might seem tough to figure out what you can do to support pollinators at home, but we have solutions for you! Check out our list of how you can help pollinators thrive:
1. Plant for Pollinators
It’s time to get growing! One of the best ways you can help pollinators is by planting organic life that help provide a food source and a safe space for pollinators. Planting native plants in your region helps local pollinators find pollen, shade, and habitats. Similarly, offering a diverse range of plants with various shapes and colors attracts a wide variety of pollinators. Need some help on what plants will be the most beneficial for pollinators? Here’s a list to help:
2. Avoid Pesticides
Using pesticides within your garden can be seen as a necessary evil. But at the end of the day, pesticides can do more harm than good, especially when it comes to pollinators. Pesticides can harm critical pollinators, which play a vital role in our ecosystems and agriculture. Pesticides can disrupt pollination, compromise bee nesting areas, and impact the reproduction of pollinators.
3. Create Bee Habitats
Creating a bee-friendly habitat benefits local biodiversity and supports sustainability efforts. Making a bee habitat within your garden doesn’t need any fancy construction. By adding more flowers, shrubs, and trees to your everyday garden, you can make a world of difference to pollinators. In the same way, when you help pollinators, they help you too! Increasing the amount of pollinators in your garden can help your plant life thrive.
4. Provide Pollinators Water
Creating a bee-friendly habitat benefits local biodiversity and supports sustainability efforts. Making a bee habitat within your garden doesn’t need any fancy construction. By adding more flowers, shrubs, and trees to your everyday garden, you can make a world of difference to pollinators. In the same way, when you help pollinators, they help you too! Increasing the amount of pollinators in your garden can help your plant life thrive.
5. Plant Milkweed
Did you know that milkweed is a preferred food source for both Monach butterflies and honeybees? Having a vast variety of this plant life in your garden can make a huge difference in a pollinator’s health. Plus, since milkweed is an eco-friendly choice for gardeners, it’s budget-friendly. As a bonus, hummingbirds love it! So, start planting! You’ll be glad you did.
6. Mow Less Often
Lastly, mowing your lawn less often is a great practice to help pollinators thrive. Not only will you help the environment, but you can also conserve water and reduce gas emissions from lawnmowers. Leaving your grass 2-4 inches tall can help create inviting habitats and nesting areas for local pollinators. So, why not give it a try in your own backyard?
In the end, it’s so important to do our part for pollinators. Whether it’s planting a few pollinator-friendly plants in your backyard or installing a bird bath, every effort helps in the long run!
Santanna Energy Services is a supplier of renewable energy solutions in the United States, providing services to Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. We provide a wide range of energy services and products to meet the needs of both residential and small business customers. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals. With over 35 years of experience, we are committed to creating life-long relationships by providing quality service to customers, communities, and employees.
Jenna loves to use her voice to spread awareness about reforestation, eco-friendly initiatives, and protecting planet Earth. She's passionate about making the world a better place and is driven by her desire to give back to the planet. She is committed to learning more about the environment and its preservation and is a strong believer in the power of education and activism.
