How To Plant a Pollinator Garden

Pollinator gardens provide essential habitats for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators while improving your outdoor space.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to plant a thriving pollinator garden, from selecting the right location to choosing the best plants. In the video above, Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows how to create a pollinator-friendly space in Texas and offers valuable insights for gardeners across the country.

Choosing the Right Location

To select an appropriate spot for your pollinator garden, factor in sunlight requirements, soil conditions, and wind protection. 

Sunlight Requirements

Most flowering plants thrive in full sun, so choose an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Proper lighting fosters bigger blooms, which can attract more pollinators to your garden. You can still include shade-tolerant plants in less sunny spots.

Soil Conditions

Assess your soil type and quality before planting. Many pollinator-friendly plants prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, add compost to improve its structure and nutrient density. 

Protection from Wind

Find a location that offers some protection from strong winds. We recommend planting alongside a natural windbreak like a fence, hedge, or wall.

Gather Your Tools

You’ll need a few tools at the ready for this project:

• Garden rake
• Garden trowel
• Pitchfork
• Shovel

Preparing the Soil

Proper soil preparation leads to a thriving pollinator garden. Follow these steps:

1. Begin by removing existing grass or weeds from the area.
2. Till the soil to a depth of 8–12 inches to loosen it.
3. Spread a 2–3 inch layer of organic compost over the entire garden area.
4. Use a pitchfork to mix the compost into the soil.
5. Rake the area smooth. Be sure to remove any large rocks or debris.

Selecting Plants for Your Pollinator Garden

To attract a diverse range of pollinators, you need to pay attention to a few factors.

Native Species

Native plants are well-adapted to your local climate and provide the best food sources for native pollinators. In the video, Cook highlights several native Texas plants. These include frostweed and milkweed, which are excellent choices for attracting monarchs and other butterflies.

Bloom Times

Select a variety of plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season to provide pollinators with a continuous food source from spring through fall. Look for early bloomers, mid-season flowers, and late bloomers to keep the garden vibrant.

Variety of Flower Shapes and Colors

Various flower shapes and colors attract different pollinators. Include a mix of tubular flowers for hummingbirds, flat or clustered flowers for butterflies, and small, open flowers for bees. 

Planting Your Pollinator Garden

Once you’ve prepared the soil and selected your plants, it’s time to get them in the ground. Proper planting techniques will help your plants establish quickly and thrive. Here is how to go about it:

1. Arrange your plants in their containers to visualize the layout before planting.
2. Dig holes slightly larger than the root balls of your plants.
3. Remove plants from their containers and gently loosen the roots if they’re tightly bound.
4. Place each plant in its hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil surface.
5. Backfill the holes with soil and gently firm around the plants.
6. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.

Spacing is also important for good air circulation. It also reduces competition for resources among plants. When planting, we advise spacing your plants according to the size they will be when fully mature. 

Adding Vertical Elements

Vertical pollinator gardens support a variety of pollinating species and look good doing it. Cook shows how to create a unique trellis using repurposed screen door protectors. Here are some other vertical gardening options:

• Incorporate hanging baskets or wall-mounted planters for dimension.
• Install trellises or arbors for climbing plants such as passion vine.
• Use tall, sturdy plants as natural supports for shorter vining species.

Mulching and Watering

Proper mulching and watering practices help maintain a healthy pollinator garden. Here are our pro tips.

Mulching

Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch, such as cedar mulch, around your plants. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Be careful to keep mulch away from plant stems to prevent rot. Mulch can also gradually break down, adding nutrients to the soil.

Watering

Water your newly planted garden thoroughly and regularly, especially during the first growing season. Native plants often become drought-tolerant once established but need consistent moisture initially. We recommend using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to minimize wasted water and keep the soil moisture stable.

Incorporating Water Features

Adding a water source to your pollinator garden can attract a wider variety of wildlife and provide hydration for pollinators. Water features can range from simple birdbaths to more elaborate ponds. Cook explains how to create a simple water feature using a repurposed horse trough.

Here are some more ideas:

• Add a few small goldfish to control mosquito larvae.
• Choose a shallow container with gently sloping sides for easy access.
• Include floating plants or partially submerged stones as landing spots.

Clean your water features regularly to keep the water fresh and prevent algae buildup. Running water through a pump can also discourage mosquitoes from breeding.

Container Gardening for Pollinators

If you have limited space or poor soil conditions, container gardening is an excellent alternative for creating a pollinator-friendly environment. Containers allow flexibility in design and location.

In the video, Cook shows how to plant herbs and flowers in containers to attract beneficial insects and pollinators. Here are our top tips for successful container gardening:

• Choose a high-quality potting mix designed for container plants.
• Group containers together to create a more diverse habitat.
• Include a mix of herbs, annuals, and perennials in your container garden.
• Use large containers with adequate drainage.

You can also place garden containers on patios, balconies, or in other small spaces.

Maintaining Your Pollinator Garden

Regular upkeep can keep your garden healthy and thriving. We recommend taking the following steps:

• Avoid using pesticides, which can harm beneficial insects.
• Allow some areas of bare soil for ground-nesting bees.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
• Leave some plants to go to seed to provide food for birds and other wildlife.
• Resist the urge to clean up your garden too thoroughly in fall, as many pollinators overwinter in plant debris.

Regularly inspecting your garden for invasive species and diseases will help you maintain a balanced ecosystem. Integrating companion planting and natural pest controls can also support the health of your garden.