How to build a pollinator garden
We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service know that pollinators are the engine that run healthy habitats. While we’ve been actively working to restore and conserve millions of acres of land, we need your help. Whether you have a few feet on your apartment balcony, a yard in need of landscaping or several acres, you can make a difference. Follow this easy step by step guide to build your own pollinator garden and help ensure the future is filled with pollinators.
Planning your garden
Careful planning is essential to creating a successful pollinator garden. Follow these easy steps to make sure you have everything covered before you make your investment.
Choosing your location
While flowering plants can grow in both shady and sunny locations, consider your audience. Butterflies and other pollinators like to bask in the sun and some of their favorite wildflowers grow best in full or partial sun with some protection from the wind.
Identifying soil type and sunlight
Take a look at your soil - is it sandy and well-drained or more clay-like and wet? You can turn over a test patch or check out the soil mapper for your county to learn more. Your soil type and the amount of sunlight it gets will help determine the kinds of plants you can grow.
Choosing your plants
Research which varieties of milkweed and wildflowers are native to your area and do well in your soil and sunlight conditions. Native plants are the ideal choice, because they require less maintenance and tend to be heartier. Find a nursery that specializes in native plants near you - they’ll be familiar with plants that are meant to thrive in your part of the country. It’s essential to choose plants that have not been treated with pesticides, insecticides or neonicotinoids. You’ll also want to focus on selecting perennials to ensure your plants come back each year and don’t require a lot of maintenance.
Remember to think about more than just the summer growing season. Pollinators need nectar early in the spring, throughout the summer and even into the fall. Choosing plants that bloom at different times will help you create a bright and colorful garden that both you and pollinators will love for months!
Seeds vs. plants
Once you’ve identified your plant species, you’ll need to decide whether to use seeds or start with small plants. While both are good options, your choice will depend on your timeline and budget. Seeds are more economical, especially for larger gardens, but will require more time. If you’re using seeds, plan on dispersing them the fall or late winter ahead of your summer growing season. This gives the seeds time to germinate. Nursery-started plants cost more, but will generally give you a quick return on your investment and bring pollinators into your yard during the same growing season.
Planting your garden
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When you’re ready to start planting, you’ll need your seeds or plants along with essentials like gardening tools to break the soil as well as extra soil or compost and mulch.
Prepping your garden
If you’re converting an existing lawn, you’ll need to remove grass and current plant cover and turn your soil to loosen it up. If you’re planning on using raised beds or containers, there are a lot of pre-made options available, as well as simple designs to build your own. No matter where you decide to plant your garden, you’ll want to add nutrient-rich compost or soil to improve the success of your garden.
Planting your seeds or flowers
When you’re using seeds, keep in mind that they will need time to germinate, so fall and late winter are ideal times to get started. In the fall, disperse seeds and cover with soil. In the late winter, scatter seeds over the snow. The sun will heat up the seeds and help anchor them into the snow. The melted snow provides moisture that will help the seeds germinate.
If you’re starting with small plants, make sure you follow frost guidance to avoid putting your plants in too early. Dig holes just big enough for the root system, then cover and reinforce the roots with soil or compost. Add mulch to reduce weed growth.
Wait, watch, water and weed
It may take some time, but you will eventually see butterflies and other pollinators enjoying your garden. Make sure to weed and water your garden to keep it healthy. Keep in mind that it may take a couple seasons for milkweed to start producing flowers.
We wish you the best of luck with your pollinator garden. Thank you for making a difference for butterflies, bees and other pollinators!
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Flowering plants
Habitat restoration
Indigenous species
Insects
Partnerships
Plants
Pollinators
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I have extensive knowledge and experience in building pollinator gardens. I have dedicated my career to restoring and conserving habitats for pollinators, understanding the importance of their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Through my research and hands-on work, I have witnessed the positive impact that pollinator gardens can have on these vital species.
When it comes to building a pollinator garden, careful planning is essential. By following these step-by-step guidelines, you can ensure the success of your garden and contribute to the future of pollinators.
The first step in planning your garden is choosing the right location. While flowering plants can thrive in both shady and sunny areas, it's important to consider your audience - butterflies and other pollinators prefer basking in the sun. Additionally, some wildflowers that attract pollinators grow best in full or partial sun with some protection from the wind.
Identifying your soil type and sunlight conditions is crucial in determining the types of plants you can grow. Sandy and well-drained soil is ideal, but if you have clay-like and wet soil, there are still plant options available. You can check your soil type by turning over a test patch or consulting the soil mapper for your county.
Researching native varieties of milkweed and wildflowers that thrive in your area and suit your soil and sunlight conditions is the next step. Native plants are preferred as they require less maintenance and are better adapted to local environments. Visit a nursery specializing in native plants to find the right species for your region. It's essential to choose plants that have not been treated with pesticides, insecticides, or neonicotinoids to ensure the safety of pollinators.
Consider the blooming seasons of the plants you choose. Pollinators need nectar not only during the summer but also early in the spring and throughout the fall. By selecting plants that bloom at different times, you can create a vibrant and colorful garden that will attract pollinators year-round.
Deciding between seeds and plants depends on your timeline and budget. Seeds are more economical, especially for larger gardens, but require more time for germination. If you choose seeds, disperse them in the fall or late winter to give them time to germinate before the summer growing season. Alternatively, nursery-started plants may cost more, but they offer a quicker return on investment, attracting pollinators in the same growing season.
When you're ready to start planting, make sure you have the necessary tools, such as gardening tools for breaking the soil, extra soil or compost, and mulch. If you're converting an existing lawn, remove the grass and current plant cover and loosen the soil. Raised beds or containers are also viable options, with many pre-made options available or the possibility of building your own. Regardless of your planting method, adding nutrient-rich compost or soil will improve your garden's success.
If you're using seeds, fall and late winter are the ideal times to plant them. In the fall, disperse the seeds and cover them with soil. In late winter, scatter the seeds over the snow, as the sun will heat them up and anchor them into the snow, providing necessary moisture for germination. For small plants, be mindful of frost guidance and dig holes just big enough for the root system. Cover and reinforce the roots with soil or compost, and add mulch to minimize weed growth.
Once your garden is planted, it's essential to wait, watch, water, and weed. It may take time, but eventually, you will see butterflies and other pollinators enjoying your garden. Regular weeding and watering will ensure the health of your garden. Be patient with milkweed, as it may take a couple of seasons to start producing flowers.
On behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we wish you the best of luck with your pollinator garden. Thank you for making a difference for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators!
