An Ecosystem Essential: Why Pollinators are Important in Your Garden

Published On: Apr 8, 2021
Updated On: Sep 24, 2026
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What is Pollination?

In layman's terms, we cannot live without pollinators and pollination. It is essential to the survival and functions of our ecosystem. Without pollinators, the human race and Earth's ecosystems would not survive. Pollen, or that yellow dust you see on plants, contains the plant's male sex cells, a quintessential link in its reproductive cycle.

When you see insects flying from one plant to another, you are watching the pollination process. The insects are collecting nectar for themselves, but as they do so, pollen collects on their bodies and rubs off onto other flowers they land on. This fertilizes the flowers, the plant will grow seeds, and ultimately fruit from the seeds. Without pollination, plants that bear fruits, seeds, and vegetables, virtually all plants, would not produce them at all.

When adequately done, pollination allows for:

• Production and reproduction of seeds for distribution and propagation
• Maintenance of genetic diversity within a plant population
• Fruits, vegetables, and seeds adequately develop and disperse

Environmental Benefits of Pollination

Clean Air

All flowering plants produce oxygen, the breathable kind that all living creatures survive on. Plants take in carbon dioxide produced by animals and expel oxygen during photosynthesis. In the last century, carbon dioxide levels have been increasing fairly rapidly. There has been an increase in fossil fuel burning and the destruction of many essential forests.

The most important factor in wild plant reproduction is pollination. They are what keep our disrupted global landscape and the earth's struggling "lungs" alive. Even if our earth's soil, nutrients, air, etc. were perfect, none of that would matter if our air were not clean.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is a measure of species variation at the ecosystem level. A very fancy term for "there are a lot of different varieties." Without pollination, there would be a significant drop in the diversity of crops, grasses, trees, and flowers. If pollinators went extinct, we would slowly lose our ability to grow the crops we consume every day, including onions, potatoes, apples, etc.

Types of Pollinators

We all know the typical honeybee pollinators; there are plenty of other pollinators our ecosystem depends on, and they include:

• Butterflies
• Moths
• Hummingbirds
• Beetles
• Wasps
• Bats (yes, really, bats)
• Mosquitoes
• Bumble and Mason Bees

Why Pollinators are in Need of Help!

Pollinators are slowly being killed off, but we as humankind can save them. Something as small as planting a pollinator garden can make all the difference for your backyard pollinators!

Poisonous Pesticides

Pesticides are nothing new; we have been using them for decades to help keep those pesky creatures from causing any damage to our plants. However, their strong chemicals not only kill harmful insects but also harm beneficial ones. Many pesticides nowadays are labeled as "neonicotinoids." This class of pesticide was registered in 1984 with the Environmental Protection Agency as a less toxic option to mammals. However, we are just now seeing their terrible effects on pollinators. Opt for organic alternatives when gardening.

Helpless Habitats

As the human world expands and grows ever more by the second, we are destroying the habitats of the essential ecosystem employees. Once luscious meadows and woodland borders are now pristine, well-kept home lawns. Natural vegetation is being torn down and replaced with modern landscaping. As we grow, we are demolishing pollinator nesting sites and removing all their food sources.

How to Create a Pollinator Garden

As we mentioned, one of the most important ways you can help pollinators is by creating a pollinator-friendly garden in your yard. Here are our recommended steps to creating the perfect home for pollinators.

1. Find plants native to your region: By including a wide variety of natives, you will make your garden an ideal destination for pollinators. Before you go out and buy all the best plants for pollinators, make sure you buy plants that will thrive in your climate. Be aware that natives will flourish without the addition of any pesticides or fertilizers.
2. Choose nectar- & pollen-rich flowers: Each type of pollinator has a unique technique for sourcing nectar and pollen. Therefore, diversity is the key to creating a perfect pollinator garden. This will broaden the variety of pollinators attracted to your space. Go crazy with shapes, sizes, colors, and garden layout. This is completely up to you and the size of your space.
3. Avoid modern hybrids: Some garden plants have been manipulated for beautiful shows of color and larger blooms, but in turn, those flowers have lost their ability to produce nectar and pollen. When purchasing annuals and perennials, buy older heirloom varieties that are known to have pollen and nectar. Overall, a pollination garden is not the time for experimenting with new plants; stick to the ones that are proven to work.
4. Choose plants that bloom from early spring to late fall: To maximize the effectiveness of your pollinator garden, choose a variety of plants in bloom throughout various seasons. Overlapping bloom times will ensure there is always some type of pollinator in your garden.
5. Add larval host plants: If you want butterflies to be a pollinator in your garden, you must add plants that attract caterpillars. Be wary that they will eat these plants' leaves, so place them out of plain sight to avoid the damaged leaves being seen. Asclepias, also known as Butterfly Weed, is a perfect host plant for pollinators. In fact, the Monarch Butterfly lays its eggs exclusively on these plants.
6. Avoid landscape fabric and mulch: Instead of any burlap or mulch, plant your flowers closer together. Placing them close together and at various heights creates a weed barrier that is much more effective than mulch.
7. Add artificial nectar resources: You can provide extra, artificial nectar to your garden by using a hummingbird feeder. Just use 4 parts water to 1 part table sugar. Avoid any artificial sweeteners. Also, always remember to clean your feeder with hot water a couple of times a week to prevent mold.

While many people shriek at the sight of buzzing bugs and icky insects, real gardeners know that pollinators are here to help in every possible way. Pollinators help regulate a variety of ecosystem processes and keep our planet healthy. Whether you are adding pollinator-friendly plants to your garden or creating an entire pollinator garden, you are helping keep these essential creatures part of our world, and we are sure they would say thank you if they could talk, of course.