Pollinator-Friendly Container Gardens: 4 Tips to Attract Butterflies and Bees
Native wildflowers are a favorite among pollinators. You can find native wildflower seeds at your local nursery!
Did you know that bees and butterflies are essential for a healthy garden? By choosing the right plants and setup, you can create a container garden that attracts these beneficial pollinators. Whether you’re gardening on a balcony, patio, or in a small yard, here’s how to make your space pollinator-friendly.
1. Why Pollinators Are Important
Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds help fertilize plants, which allows fruits, vegetables, and flowers to grow more abundantly.
A pollinator-friendly garden promotes biodiversity and supports declining pollinator populations. Not to mention they are fun to watch!
Dandelion Fun Fact: every part of the plant is edible! The roots can be roasted, ground into powder, and brewed like coffee while the flowers and greens are great in salads!
2. Best Flowers to Attract Bees and Butterflies
Native plants are the number one best choice for your garden, but here are some additional plants that tend to be favored by pollinators:
Lavender: Loved by bees and butterflies for its fragrant blooms.
Bee Balm: Bright and colorful, perfect for attracting hummingbirds too.
Coneflowers (Echinacea): Hardy and nectar-rich.
Marigolds: Add vibrant color while attracting pollinators.
Butterfly Bush: As the name suggests, butterflies can’t resist!
Place your bee hotel among flowers so it’s easy for them to find!
3. Providing Water and Shelter
Place a shallow dish of water with pebbles for bees to land safely while drinking.
Add small rocks or logs in shady spots to provide shelter.
Install a bee hotel to give solitary bees a home.
4. Avoid Pesticides like the Plague
Pesticides harm pollinators. Opt for natural pest control methods like companion planting, neem oil, or a DIY garlic spray.
Companion plants like basil and marigolds repel pests naturally.
Check out this video on how to make the EASIEST DIY bug repellant that is pollinator safe!
A pollinator-friendly container garden doesn’t just benefit your plants—it supports the local ecosystem and adds life to your space. With the right plants, water sources, and containers, you’ll enjoy buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies all season long.
All 9 varieties of coneflowers (Echinacea) are native to North America and pollinator favorite!
