Native first
Native plants evolved alongside local pollinators and provide the right nutrition.
Plant for pollinators
Grow Pollinator-Friendly Flowers
Practical guidance on selecting native plants and maintaining continuous blooms from spring through fall to provide a steady food supply.
Foundations
What makes a pollinator garden work
Focus on native plants, continuous bloom, and safe habitat. These three principles do most of the work.
Continuous bloom
Plan for early, mid, and late season flowers so food is always available.
Safe habitat
Leave stems, leaf litter, and bare soil for nesting and shelter.
Seasonal planning
Build a bloom timeline
Pollinators need nectar and pollen from early spring through late fall. Match plants to each window.
Early
Spring bloomers and flowering shrubs.
Mid
Summer perennials and diverse flower shapes.
Late
Fall bloomers like asters and goldenrods.
Planting steps
A simple, repeatable planting process
Whether you plant seeds or nursery plants, the process is the same: prepare, plant, protect.
1) Prepare the site
- Choose a sunny spot (or match plants to shade).
- Remove weeds and loosen soil.
- Keep it small enough to maintain.
2) Plant and water
- Use region-matched native seeds or plants.
- Water consistently until established.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture.
3) Protect and keep bloom
- Skip insect sprays and systemics.
- Leave stems and leaf litter through winter.
- Add new plants each season to fill gaps.
Start with one bed or one container. When it thrives, expand the next season.
Planting success
Tips that make gardens thrive
- Group the same plant in small clusters for easier foraging.
- Mix flower shapes to support many pollinator types.
- Include some shrubs or small trees if space allows.
- Leave a bare soil patch for ground-nesting bees.
If it blooms, do not spray it. Chemical-free blooms are essential.
Pesticide safetyNext steps
Ready to plant your patch?
Find native plants for your region and add your patch to the Bloom Map.