Pollinator gardens provide food and habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators that are essential for food production and ecosystem health. Using native plants adapted to your region requires less maintenance, no pesticides, and supports local pollinator species.
15 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Process
- Research your ecoregion — Visit Pollinator.org/guides for region-specific planting guides. Use the Xerces Society plant lists (xerces.org) for native pollinator-friendly plants in your area.
- Choose your location — Select a spot with full to partial sun (6+ hours ideal). Provide wind protection if possible. Butterflies especially need sunny, sheltered areas.
- Plan for continuous bloom — Select plants that flower at different times: early spring (crocuses, native willows), spring (lupine, columbine), summer (coneflower, bee balm, milkweed), and fall (gol...
- Select native plants — Choose plants native to your region. Key pollinator plants include: milkweed (essential for monarch butterflies), coneflower (Echinacea), bee balm, black-eyed Susan, goldenro...
- Prepare the site — Remove existing grass/weeds (smother with cardboard and mulch, or till). Amend soil if needed. Most native plants prefer well-drained soil and do not need rich amendments.
- Plant — Dig holes for transplants just big enough for root systems. Cover with soil and add 2-3 inches of mulch around (not touching) stems. Water well. For seeds, scatter in fall or late winter fo...
- Provide habitat features — Leave areas of bare, unmulched ground (75% of native bees nest in ground). Add a shallow water source (birdbath with pebbles). Leave dead wood and leaf litter for nesting.
- Maintain without chemicals — Eliminate all pesticide use (including neonicotinoids). Weed by hand. Leave fall cleanup until spring (stalks and seed heads provide winter shelter). Water during estab...
2. Key Details
- Native plants require less water, no fertilizer, and no pesticides once established
- Plant in groups of 3-5 of the same species (helps pollinators find them)
- Milkweed is the ONLY host plant for monarch butterflies
- Avoid plants treated with neonicotinoid pesticides (ask nurseries)
- Ensure plants are truly native (not cultivars that may lack nectar/pollen)
- Even small gardens help — a few containers on a balcony provide food for pollinators
- Certify your garden through the National Wildlife Federation at nwf.org/garden
Common Mistakes
- Planting only one season of bloom (pollinators need food spring through fall)
- Using pesticides or herbicides in or near the garden
- Buying plants treated with neonicotinoids
- Removing all leaf litter and dead stalks in fall (destroys overwintering habi...
- Planting non-native "pollinator mixes" that may include invasive species
Pro Tips
- Start small and expand each year as you learn what works in your area
- Take photos throughout the season to track what blooms when and what pollinat...
- Join iNaturalist to identify pollinators visiting your garden and contribute ...
- Many native plant societies hold sales with locally-sourced plants
- Plant milkweed to support monarch migration — get seeds free from MonarchWatc...