If you’ve been around these parts for a while, you’ll know that the far, and all of the farm helpers in the world are important to us. Well, almost all of them. Flies are still debatable, but even THEY have a place this week, because it’s National Pollinator Week, and we want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to make sure the world we’re living in will continue providing good food. Well, we need to thank the bees, and the wasps (even if they aren’t hairy enough) the butterflies, and even the *barf* flies. Those aren’t the only pollinators we have though! You may be surprised to know that YOU are a pollinator too!
Yep! Any time you brush against an anther full of pollen and transfer it to the stamen of a plant in that same type.
How to Celebrate National Pollinator Week
National Pollinator Week is celebrated every year during the third week of June to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and to encourage people to take action to protect them. Pollinators are animals that help plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another. They play a vital role in our ecosystem, as they help to pollinate many of the plants that we eat, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
There are many ways to celebrate National Pollinator Week. Here are a few ideas:
- Plant a pollinator garden. This is a great way to provide food and shelter for pollinators in your own backyard. When choosing plants for your pollinator garden, look for native species that are attractive to pollinators. You can find a list of native plants for your area by visiting the website of your local extension office.
- Reduce your use of pesticides. Pesticides can be harmful to pollinators, so it’s important to use them sparingly, if at all. If you do need to use pesticides, choose products that are labeled as “bee-friendly.” Try row covers, garden fabric or other barriers to keep pests from the crops.
- Avoid mowing your lawn too often. Long grass provides habitat for pollinators, so let your lawn grow a bit longer during the summer months.
- Support local businesses that support pollinators. Look for businesses that sell products that are made with sustainably grown ingredients or that support pollinator-friendly initiatives.
Here are additional tips to support our pollinators:
- Water your plants regularly. Pollinators need water to survive, so make sure to water your plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Provide a source of water for pollinators. You can do this by placing a shallow dish of water in your garden or by installing a birdbath.
- Create a habitat for pollinators. This could include planting native flowers, providing a water source, and leaving some areas of your yard unmowed.
- Educate others about the importance of pollinators. Share information about pollinators with your friends, family, and neighbors.
Even small actions can make a big difference for pollinators. By celebrating National Pollinator Week, you can help to protect these important creatures and ensure that they continue to pollinate our crops and gardens for generations to come.
If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, you can start with what you probably already know! The most popular plants for pollinators include but aren’t limited to sunflowers, coneflowers, lavender, zinnia, marigolds, milkweed, goldenrod, and aster.
These are just a few of the many plants that are attractive to pollinators. When choosing plants for your garden, look for those that offer a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. This will help to attract a wider variety of pollinators to your garden.
