Pollinator garden - Ask Extension
I would like information about starting a pollinator garden. I am a new home owner and have an area about 40 square feet that I would love to make int...
Knowledgebase
Pollinator garden #881084
Asked August 11, 2024, 9:00 PM EDT
I would like information about starting a pollinator garden. I am a new home owner and have an area about 40 square feet that I would love to make into a pollinator garden. Should I start it from seed? If so where is the best local place to get seeds? Or should I use pre established plants? What are the best flowers to plant to keep a continuous bloom throughout the summer? I’m looking to plant milk weed for sure because I would love to attract butterflies and caterpillars the most. Just curious what other flowers I should add in. Thank you for your help!
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
I advise reading web sites for pollinator gardens to acquire an education on the subject. We do not make recommendations for specific companies to purchase seeds/plants from. Start with these web pages.
https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/flowers-pollinators
https://beelab.umn.edu/pollinator-garden
https://extension.psu.edu/planting-pollinator-friendly-gardens
https://www.fws.gov/story/how-build-pollinator-garden
Also load a plant identification app on your phone so that you can tell which are desired plants and which are weeds. There are free and purchased programs.
https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/flowers-pollinators
https://beelab.umn.edu/pollinator-garden
https://extension.psu.edu/planting-pollinator-friendly-gardens
https://www.fws.gov/story/how-build-pollinator-garden
Also load a plant identification app on your phone so that you can tell which are desired plants and which are weeds. There are free and purchased programs.
