As the long, hot days of summer begin to shorten and cool, many gardeners and garden enthusiasts believe their time for planting is gone. However, Autumn is actually a wonderful time to plant a pollinator garden!
Not only will it provide a fall vibe feast for your eyes but also an actual feast for buzzing bees, beautiful butterflies and other insects who like to stick around.
What is a Pollinator Garden?
A pollinator garden is a nutritious, colourful safe haven for beneficial insects and hummingbirds. These gardens are planted with the purpose of providing our pollinators with proper food and shelter as they start to prepare for the winter ahead or for migration. They also help to foster a deeper connection with Mother Nature and improve the diversity and health of our natural ecosystem.
Why Plant a Pollinator Garden in Autumn?
There are many beneficial reasons for creating a pollinator garden project in the fall, including:
- Less obstruction - Your plants are more likely to thrive as weeds slow their growth.
- Coolness and moisture - Low temperatures and higher moisture = happy plants.
- Emotional well-being - Gardening reduces stress, anxiety, and could be therapeutic for S.A.D.
- Spring-ready blooms - Perennials you plant in fall will bloom beautifully by early spring.
- Winter survival - The food and shelter you provide pollinators will help them make it to spring.
- Educational opportunities - Learn or teach about nature, pollinators and multi-season lifecycles.
How to Start a Pollinator Garden
First, you have to prepare your soil by removing any debris or deceased plant life from your garden area. Adding compost or aged manure can help to increase plant fertility and proper drainage.
Then, it’s time to plant!
What to Plant in a Pollinator Garden
When starting a pollinator garden in the fall, you can choose from plants that say they will flower at the end of summer, during fall or even winter. Excellent selections include:
- Asters - Daisy-like, come in many colours and are a bee/butterfly favourite.
- Coneflowers - Also daisy-like but with prominent cones, also available in multiple colours.
- Crocuses - Very fall-friendly and will begin to burst with colourful flowers come early spring.
- Goldenrods - Red, orange and yellow plume-like flowers, provide lots of fall food.
- Sedums - Multi-colour, multi-shape perennials that are drought and poor soil-tolerant.
- Snowdrops - Low-maintenance spring bloomers that are known to spread and multiply.
Once you’ve planted your pollinator garden, it’s important to water regularly to help your new plants properly establish their roots. Aim for the plant base rather than atop the plants where pollinators will choose to sit and eat.
Also, it is very important to not use pesticides in pollinator gardens as these chemicals can cause harm to insects and birds. There are more organic methods of pest control that can be found instead. Consult your local nursery or favourite online gardening resources for information.
An Additional Noorish-ment Moment
Noorish Foods is passionate about vibrant living, and that includes supporting healthy ecosystems.
While you nurture your pollinator-friendly garden this fall, consider adding a jar of Sunshine in a Cup Spiced Immunity Honey to your pantry. This delicious honey is sourced from Canadian beekeepers and is infused with a blend of warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and clove.
It's a perfect way to add a touch of sweetness and a boost of immune-supporting antioxidants to your autumn routine.
