Things to AVOID If You Are Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden!

Great advice, but you've missed an important aspect of attracting pollinators: planting NATIVE plants that attract native pollinators. You mentioned monarch butterflies, which are in serious peril, but you didnt mention the important fact that they only lay their eggs on their host plant, milkweed. Native plants could be another product line to consider for your business. I do love your enthusiasm and channel!

Wow, a lot of people mentioning you didn’t say native plants. Read the comments people. Do your own research. Luke can’t do everything for you. He shares so much information to all of us.

Like others have mentioned, as part of a pollinator garden, native plants are super important for pollinators-- for hosting and food purposes. Also, when choosing plants, look for flowers that have a ring of petals around a central disk as well as flowers of different shapes-- e.g. tublar, flat topped etc, and avoid double flowers which are usually hybridized and don't attract pollinators well. Also, try to get a variety of plants that bloom over different time periods, from Spring to late Fall and be cognizant of the soil and sun needs for each plant as well as their habit, particularlyif the plant spreads by rhizomes, which you may or may not want. (I learned the hard way.) There are many great pollinator plants, but some include: asters, coneflowers, milkweed, monarda, sunflowers, yarrow, hyssop, and zinnia. Google best pollinator plants for your area and lots of resources pop up.

Love the channel! Definitely wanted to say, people need to focus more on native plants for pollinator gardens! One pollinator favorite I would highly suggest is spotted Joe pye (native to your area). A dwarf Joe Pye would add some nice height to your garden, maybe by your bird bath, and has a nice attractive growing habit. Also Asclepias tuberosa is an excellent garden milkweed for monarchs and also behaves beautifully in the landscape! The orange flower is also stunning

It would be very helpful if you could provide a list of the best plant combinations to attract pollinators all season long.

You should always try and plant native plants, Many bees can only use certain types of flowers like sunflowers, Goldenrod and asters.

Luke, it would be wonderful if you sold more native plant seeds too. They would definitely sell out as soon as you put them up online. I bought bee balm from you last year.

Borage is wonderful for pollinators and the food source in the flowers replenishes itself within about 15 minutes. One of the fastest flowers to replenish the food for the pollinators

Could you do another video on protein rich and carb rich flowers particularly perennial and long blooming? Love the information

Bumblebees love hysop

I use Alyssums, Lavender and Marigolds. Last year I bought a couple different flowers one to attracts bees the other for hummingbirds. I've never thought of a birdbath or water source in general. Thanks for that tip.

If you want bees, plant Sunflowers. It’s almost scary, lol. But, the bees ignore you completely.

Thank you so much for your information about pollinators. Last year I planted squash but never had any fruit. My master gardener across the street told me I didn’t have any flowers to entice the pollinators to visit my garden. This year I got a few seed packets for flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds. Also some flowers for fragrance. I’m mixing the two in an area near my garden. I also got some Columbine plants from our local gardening store. We have hummers that return each year and I read that they like Columbines. Plus we have a feeder for them. One has even landed on my husband’s head and hovered at our window checking us out.

Luke, there needs to be a discussion about neonicotinoids. People need to be aware of the fact that many nurseries are selling plants that contain harmful pesticides that can kill insects. What precautions do you take to avoid this risk?

If you want to see a wild diversity of insects feeding in your garden, broad leaf mountain mint (doesn’t spread by runners) is VERY popular

Great information! Right now we currently have a very large Rosemary bush in bloom, and is loaded with bees. The holly trees are in bloom and heavily visited, but that is shorter duration. One thing I noticed the last year at the big box hardware store was the bees were all over their lavender plants, and not visiting all the other flowers. So we’ve begun a process of ensuring an adequate supply of lavender around the garden. And it’s a great perennial!

Hi Luke - Thank you for the info! Can you please give us a list of plants that provide nectar for the pollinators

I've been watching this channel for years and continue to learn with every video. Great content! Thanks!

I would also state the obvious that if you are trying to attract pollinators it is essential that you don’t use pesticides (even organic) in your garden as they kill not only pests but beneficial insects such as pollinators as well.

You are a wealth of information. I did learn something new every time I watch a video. Thank you!