For everything they do for us, it’s time to give back to local pollinators. Did you know that approximately 35% of the world’s food is pollinated by animals such as bees, flies and beetles? Adjusting the maintenance of our yard and garden in subtle ways can make a world of difference in supporting pollinators, allowing them to do what they do best: POLLINATE!

1. Plant a variety of native plants in your garden

that bloom at different times during the year. While pollinators utilize some non-native plant species, native plants have evolved with our native pollinators and provide the most benefit. Overall, the diversity of plants is the key!

2. In the spring, provide nest cavities for native bees

by cutting back dead flower stalks leaving stem stubble between 8 to 24 inches in height. Female bees will quickly find the remaining stems and start laying eggs inside.

3. Avoid using herbicides and pesticides in your yard or garden

Herbicides eliminate food sources that pollinators rely on. It’s okay to sometimes let the “weeds” bloom! As for pesticides, these chemicals are great at eliminating all insects, including the beneficial ones. Non-chemical elimination strategies should be employed whenever possible.

4. Leave bare spots of dirt in your yard or garden

While it may seem unsightly, many native Kansas bees nest in the ground and require bare soil. Did you know that most native bees in Kansas are solitary and do not live in a hive?

5. Leave dead flowers and stems in your garden through fall and winter

Many pollinators use dead plant material for shelter while overwintering.

6. Add small flowering trees and shrubs to your yard or garden

Flowering trees help pollinators get a jump start in the spring by providing food while perennial flowers have yet to bloom. Their leaves also provide habitat for many bees and butterflies.

7. Mow your lawn less frequently

Plan on mowing your lawn once every two weeks instead of once a week. By decreasing your mowing frequency, you should see an increase in flowers in your yard, which will equate to more food for pollinators.

8. Instead of raking up leaves in the fall, leave them until spring

Even just a thin layer of leaves can make all the difference for pollinators trying to overwinter in our yards. Avoid shredding the leaves that are left. Disrupting them may harm pollinators who are still using the leaves.

9. Install a bee hotel in your garden or yard

Bee hotels consist of several long hollow stems, reeds, and canes of appropriate length bundled together within a wooden frame. Not all bee hotel designs are equally beneficial, so make sure to find one from a reputable source.

10. Spread the word

to family, colleagues, and community members about how important supporting pollinators is. One of the best ways to become an active pollinator educator is to become an Extension Master Naturalist through the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension office. Programs organized by Extension Master Naturalists, such as Wonders of Discovery and Hasta Luego Monarchs, provide learning opportunities for thousands of residents on topics that include pollinators, native prairie gardens and so much more