Edwina von Gal’s RADICLE Thinking
Protecting Pollinators PRFCTly
June 19-25 is National Pollinator Week. Why all the buzz?
• Bees pollinate 75% of the fruit, nuts, and vegetables grown in the United States.
• Native bees are responsible for pollinating many plants endemic to the Americas, including tomatoes and eggplant.
• Over 4,000 species of bees are native to the United States. Honeybees are not—they were brought to the Americas by European settlers.
Is your yard pollinator friendly? Here’s how it can be:
• Do not apply broadcast sprays for mosquitos and ticks, especially synthetic products. Broadcast sprays kill all insects, not just pests. Even organic sprays can be toxic to bees and butterflies.
• If you plan on having an event or are especially concerned about ticks or mosquitos, apply a plant-based essential oil-based spray using a pressurized pump sprayer with a long arm that can get into small spaces. Only spray in early morning or evening when pollinators are less active.
• Plant native plants to support native insect populations. Many insects are dependent on specific plants for shelter and food (think monarchs and milkweed), and many native crops (think tomatoes and eggplants) are dependent on native insects for pollination.
• Plant host plants, not just flowers. Before you can have a garden full of butterflies, you need to provide a food source for their caterpillars. Keep in mind that these plants will get munched, but you might not even notice the damage.
• Pollinators get dehydrated, so provide a water source for your bees and butterflies. To prevent your bug bath from becoming a mosquito breeding ground, change the water frequently.
Photo credit: Indra Widi / EyeEm / Getty Images
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