How Do I Choose Crops For Pollinators?

“Hey there, I recently moved to this lovely old farmhouse in Berkshire, England, and I’m interested in starting a backyard farm. I want to make sure I choose the right crops to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. I’ve got a decent amount of space and really want to make the most of it to help the environment. Any tips on what I should plant to attract and support these pollinators?” Thanks a bunch, Emma, Berkshire, England.

How Do I Choose Crops For Pollinators?

Hi Emma, it’s wonderful that you’re looking to attract and support pollinators in your backyard farm! These little creatures are vital for our ecosystem, and creating a space that caters to them will also reward you with a more thriving and productive garden. Let’s explore some key considerations and tips to choose the best crops for pollinators.

Understand the Needs of Pollinators

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to specific plants for their nectar and pollen. Understanding their preferences will help you create a garden that keeps them coming back.

• Bees are attracted to flowers that are blue, purple, and yellow. They love a good mix of plant types, including tubular-shaped flowers.
• Butterflies are drawn to bright colors like red, orange, pink, and purple. They prefer landing platforms, so flat-topped flowers are ideal.
• Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to red, tubular flowers, as they feed on nectar while hovering.

Select Native Plants

Native plants are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions, making them a low-maintenance and effective choice for attracting pollinators. They also provide familiar habitats and food sources for native pollinators.

In Berkshire, England, some native plants that attract pollinators include:

• Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea): Beautiful tubular flowers that bees adore.
• Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Flat-topped clusters of flowers perfect for butterflies.
• Red Campion (Silene dioica): Bright pink blooms that attract both bees and butterflies.

Choose a Variety of Plants for Continuous Bloom

Pollinators need food sources throughout the growing season. Plant a variety of crops that bloom at different times to ensure a continuous supply of nectar and pollen.

• Spring Bloomers: Crocus, lungwort, and primrose.
• Summer Bloomers: Lavender, coneflower, and black-eyed Susan.
• Autumn Bloomers: Asters, goldenrod, and sedum.

Incorporate Pollinator-Friendly Herbs

Herbs are fantastic for both your kitchen and your pollinators! Many herbs offer rich nectar and pollen.

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Tiny flowers that are a hit with bees.
• Oregano (Origanum vulgare): Flowers that attract a variety of pollinators.
• Basil (Ocimum basilicum): If you let it flower, you’ll see plenty of bees.

Create Habitat Features

Besides planting the right crops, consider adding features that make your backyard farm more inviting to pollinators.

• Water Sources: Shallow dishes with stones for bees to land on or a small birdbath.
• Shelter: Brush piles, dead wood, or bee hotels can provide nesting sites.
• Pesticide-Free Zone: Avoid harmful chemicals. Opt for organic gardening practices to keep your pollinators safe.

Plan Companion Planting

Companion planting can benefit pollinators and boost your crop yield. Plant certain flowers near your crops to attract pollinators that will, in turn, help pollinate your vegetables and fruits.

• Marigolds: Near tomatoes to lure pollinators and deter pests.
• Borage: Attracts bees and improves soil health near strawberries.
• Sunflowers: Tall and impressive, they draw pollinators and can provide shade for less heat-tolerant plants.

Include Some Fruit and Vegetable Plants

Some fruits and vegetables are more attractive to pollinators than others. Here are a few that can benefit your garden ecosystem:

• Blueberries and strawberries: Their blossoms attract bees and butterflies.
• Squash and pumpkins: Large flowers that are particularly loved by bees.
• Tomatoes: Though they are self-pollinating, bees and bumblebees can help improve pollination and fruit set.

Practice Crop Rotation

Rotating your crops not only helps maintain soil health but also keeps your garden fresh and attractive to pollinators. Each year, switch the locations of your plants to disrupt pest cycles and provide fresh feeding grounds for your pollinators.

Consider Plant Density

Grouping similar plants together can create a more enticing visual target for pollinators. Large patches of color are easier for them to find than scattered single plants.

For example:

• Instead of planting single marigolds here and there, create a marigold border around a vegetable patch.
• A bed of closely planted lavender can be a haven for bees and butterflies.

Be Mindful of Blooming Patterns

Pay attention to the shape and structure of your garden. Ensure there’s always something in bloom to keep pollinators around. Interplant early bloomers with mid-season and late-season plants.

Use Open-Pollinated and Heirloom Varieties

Open-pollinated and heirloom plant varieties often have more nectar and pollen compared to hybrid varieties. These plants can attract a more extensive range of pollinators.

Examples include:

• Heirloom Tomatoes: Trussed or vine types with plenty of flowers.
• Squash Varieties: Different shapes and sizes to provide various flowers throughout the season.

Maintain Seasonal Interest

Incorporating different plant types not only ensures a variety of bloom times but also provides visual interest. Mix perennials, annuals, bulbs, and shrubs for a garden that looks appealing year-round and supports pollinators through every season.

Add Some Natives Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs are often overlooked but can be excellent sources of nectar and pollen. Plus, they provide shelter and nesting sites.

• Hawthorn Trees (Crataegus monogyna): Lovely white blossoms loved by bees.
• Blackberry Bushes (Rubus fruticosus): Flowers attract pollinators, and you get delicious berries!
• Hazel Shrubs (Corylus avellana): They produce catkins early in the season, offering an early food source.

Encourage Biodiversity

A diverse garden supports a more significant number of pollinators. Mix flower forms, plant families, and colors. The more variety you have, the more attractive your garden will be to a broad spectrum of pollinators.

Here’s a quick example:

• In one section, have daisy-like flowers like echinacea and rudbeckia.
• Another area can feature tubular flowers like foxglove and salvia.
• Include some clusters of tiny flowers like garlic chives and oregano in another part.

Evaluate Soil and Sunlight

Understanding your garden’s soil type and sunlight exposure is essential in choosing the right plants. Some pollinator-friendly plants thrive in full sun, while others can tolerate shade.

• Full Sun: Sunflowers, wild bergamot, and lavender.
• Partial Shade: Columbines, fuchsia, and Japanese anemones.

Testing soil pH and fertility can also help you select the best crop varieties for your specific garden conditions.

Use Companion Flowers

Besides flowering herbs, there are specific flowers that help certain veggies by attracting pollinators or repelling pests.

• Plant nasturtiums near cucumbers to attract pollinators and fend off aphids.
• Use alyssum around your lettuce beds; it attracts beneficial insects that prey on lettuce pests.

Avoid Monocultures

While a solid block of one crop might seem productive, it can become monotonous to pollinators. Interplanting with a variety of crops and flowers will create a more dynamic environment.

Observe and Adjust

Gardening is a continuous learning process. Take note of which plants attract the most pollinators and adjust your garden plan accordingly. Keep experimenting with different crops and blooms to see what works best in your backyard.

Final Thoughts…

Emma, thank you for the fantastic question! Creating a garden rich with pollinator-friendly crops is a delightful and rewarding endeavor. Remember to mix native plants, ensure continuous bloom, provide habitat features, and avoid pesticides. Your proactive approach not only aids the environment but also enriches your backyard farm. Happy gardening, and may your garden buzz, flutter, and hum with life!