Why is pollination important to our planet? A pollinator helps plants reproduce, and therefore help sustain our ecosystem and supply our natural resources. At least 75% of all flowering plants on Earth need to be pollinated – that’s over 180,000 different species and over 1,200 crops! Pollinators bring us one out of every three bites of food you eat.

What Is A Pollinator?

While some plants and flowers can do self-pollination, others need assistance to pollinate effectively. A pollinator is any animal that transports pollen grains from one plant to another. This transportation process, known as pollination, helps plants produce seeds, fruits, and other plants. Pollinating insects include different types of bees, butterflies, birds, bats, flies, moths, beetles, and wasps. Other small animals can also be pollinators.

How Can You Help Pollinators?

Pollinator populations are in decline, but there are easy ways you can help them in your very own garden!

• Plant pollinator-friendly plants. Make sure your pollinator garden includes lots of plants that provide nectar and pollen! Be sure to include native plants as well. Native plants support native wildlife! A native plant is one that was here prior to the European settlement of America. They are already adapted to our conditions and require less maintenance, including a minimal use of pesticides! Want to pick up a pollinator-friendly plant? We always have an assortment of plants available at our Murfreesboro nursery. Ask the team at our local garden center and we’ll point you in the right direction!
• Plant milkweed. Milkweed is critical to the survival of monarch butterflies. It is the only plant on which a monarch caterpillar feeds.
• Use pesticides properly. Don’t apply chemicals to any plant that has pollinator activity. When you do need to use a pesticide, apply it at night when animals aren’t as active. Also, consider non-chemical alternatives. Releasing beneficial insects into your garden is a 100% organic pest control method!

Find pollinator-friendly plants, pesticide alternatives, milkweed, and more available at our garden store in Murfreesboro.

Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Plants That Attract Bees

Plants That Attract Butterflies

National Pollinator Month

June is National Pollinator Month! It’s a time to celebrate pollinators and bring awareness to the problems that they face. In 2007, the United States Senate unanimously designated a week in June as National Pollinator Week as a way to bring further awareness to the declining populations of pollinators. Keep an eye on our events page or Instagram to see how we plan on celebrating National Pollinator Month at Martin’s Home & Garden.

In 2021, Pollinator Week will last from June 21-27.

Learn More About Pollinators

We know that some types of pollinating insects like wasps or bees are not ideal for some to have buzzing around their garden. However, these common pollinating insects are just misunderstood! These valuable resources can help anyone learn more about the type of pollinators found in the Middle Tennessee area, the benefits of pollination, and more in order to help all types of gardeners keep their plants healthy.

Pollinator Partnership

Eastern Broadleaf Forest Pollinator Planting Guide, Pollinator Partnership

Backyard Wildlife, University of Tennessee Extension

The Plight of Pollinators, University of Tennessee Extension

Southeast Plants for Native Bees, University of Tennessee Extension

Know Your Native Bees, University of Tennessee Extension

US Forestry Service

US Fish & Wildlife Service

US Department of Agriculture

Xerces Society

Planting For and Identifying Pollinators, American Meadows

Regional Plants Attract Regional Pollinators, American Meadows

Pollinator Activities For Kids

Even your littlest gardeners can support pollinators! Help them learn about local wildlife and plants, and plant the love of gardening in them that will grow through the rest of their life.

Five Things Kids Can Do To Help Pollinators, Pollinator Partnership

Build A Bee Condo, Pollinator Partnership (adult assistance needed)

Pollinator Crossword Puzzle, Pollinator Partnership

My Garden Pollinators, Proven Winners’ Club Sprout

Make A Butterfly Feeder, Proven Winners’ Club Sprout (adult assistance needed)

PollinatorLIVE, the USDA Forest Service – Conservation Education

Pollinator Activity & Lesson Plan Kit, KidsGardening

From Our Blog

Questions About Pollinators For Your Garden?

Not only does Martin’s Home & Garden offer many different types of plants, flowers, and garden essentials, but we can help you grow the garden of your dreams! From finding the top pollinator-friendly options for your garden to figuring out what type of pollinators are attracted to a type of plant, we’ve got you covered. If you have any questions about pollinators, pollinator-friendly plants, pesticide alternatives, or just want to know more about pollination, feel free to give us a call or ask us during your next visit to our garden center!