Why is pollination important to our planet? A pollinator helps plants reproduce, and therefore helps sustain our ecosystem and supply our natural resources. At least 75% of all flowering plants on Earth need pollinating – 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 before the European settlement of America. They are already adapted to our conditions and require less maintenance, including 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 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 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. 

Learn More About Pollination And The Types of 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 to help all types of gardeners keep their plants healthy: 

• Pollinator Partnership
• Eastern Broadleaf Forest Pollinator Planting Guide, from Pollinator Partnership
• US Forestry Service
• US Fish & Wildlife Service
• US Department of Agriculture
• Xerces Society
• Planting For and Identifying Pollinators, from American Meadows
• Regional Plants Attract Regional Pollinators, from American Meadows

If you have additional questions about pollinators or what types of pollinators are best for your plant, feel free to ask the team while shopping at our local garden center. We’re more than happy to provide you with plant care tips and any other resources to help you keep your garden healthy and looking its best!

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, from Pollinator Partnership
• Build A Bee Condo, from Pollinator Partnership (Adult assistance needed) 
• Pollinator Crossword Puzzle, from Pollinator Partnership
• My Garden Pollinators, from Proven Winners’ Club Sprout
• Make A Butterfly Feeder, from Proven Winners’ Club Sprout (Adult assistance needed)
• PollinatorLIVE, from the USDA Forest Service – Conservation Education
• Pollinator Activity & Lesson Plan Kit, from 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!