What's
all the buzz about gardens for pollinators? For starters, 85% of
all flowering plants rely on pollinators! Without them you would not
have many of the fruits and vegetables that you enjoy eating.
Examples of common foods dependent upon or benefit from pollinators
are apples, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cucumbers,
pumpkins, almonds, melons, squash, peppers, tomatoes, spices, cocoa,
coffee and figs just to name a few! As the saying goes, “1 in 3
bites” of our food relies on pollinators. So the next time you are
at the supermarket look around at the produce section. Now look
again but imagine 33% of the shelves are bare. Without pollinators,
that could be a reality.
If
your vegetable garden is not doing well or your fruit trees are
failing to produce, chances are that you are not attracting enough
pollinators into your yard. Our pollinators travel about without
regard to property lines or fences. Creating a pollinator friendly
garden is simple no matter how big or small. By planting a garden
focused on welcoming these insects, you can increase the number of
pollinators in your area. Select plants that provide adequate food
sources for bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, hummingbirds and other
pollinators. You will need both
pollen and nectar producing plants with bright colors and a variety
of shapes and sizes to attract many different pollinators. Stick
with plants specific or native to your area (avoiding non-native and
exotics) which better support pollinators. Have a combination of
spring, summer and fall blooming flowers and whenever
possible, plant in groups of 3 or more to better “grab” the
pollinators attention.
When planting annuals go with old fashion heirlooms (avoiding
hybrids) and intersperse them among the vegetable plants in your
garden. You can also designate a section of your yard strictly for a
pollination garden and reduce grassy areas by planting more
pollinator friendly trees, shrubs and plants. No matter if you are
planting in flower pots, window boxes or garden beds you can make a
positive impact one plant at a time. One
yard is great, but a string of yards is even better!
In
2007 the U.S. Senate unanimously designated one week each June as
National Pollinator Week. Several years later( 2011) Penn State
Master Gardeners began certifying Pollinator Friendly Gardens.
Pollinators need our help. Their numbers are in decline due to
habitat loss, disease and contact with pesticides. Penn State
Extension Master Gardeners are taking action to protect pollinators
by planting pollinator friendly gardens and providing education for
the gardening public. Won't you make an effort by gardening with a
purpose, selecting plants that provide food, shelter and nesting
sites and limiting the use of pesticide? Pollinators will, in turn,
provide the pollination needed to protect our plant diversity and
food sources. Certifying your property as “Pollinator Friendly”
will help support a healthy ecosystem for our community and the
future. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you are making
a difference!
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