I love bees! Without them, we wouldn’t have avocados, oranges, or really any other tasty fruits and vegetables. And I don’t know about you, but that kind of world is not one that I want to live in! Bring the bees to your garden by planting these nectar plants that pollinators love. Planting these in your garden will attract the bees to your vegetable garden all season long. Not only that, but it’s a great way to increase garden yields in all of your fruits and vegetables.
Nectar Plants That Pollinators Adore
Crocus
Rich in nectar and pollen, there isn’t a bee or pollinator out there that can resist a Crocus plant. Though these bulbs are best planted in fall, it might not be too late! Plant Crocus in well-draining soil, if the bulb sits in regularly damp soil, you may find that you have a problem with root rot. Plant bulbs a few inches apart and expect them to bloom 2-3 weeks after the last frost in your area.
Hyacinth
I have a single hyacinth bulb growing in a hydroponic garden at my house, and the smell is seriously to die for! Seriously! It’s only blossomed once so far, but you can smell the sweet aroma in practically every area of my home. It’s no wonder why bees and pollinators love hyacinth plants! Again, these bulbs usually do best when planted in the fall of the previous year. They sprout up within the first few weeks of March! You’ll definitely notice a buzz around your garden once these are out for Spring.
Calendula
I love this plant because it blooms all season long. Seriously. All. Season. Long. Plant in an area of your garden that receives plenty of sunlight–this is one of those plants that cannot get enough sunshine! But the best part is that this beautiful plant is also edible! Use it to spice up a summer meal.
Foxgloves
Foxglove flowers are truly unforgettable. The flowers grow on stems that may reach up to 6 feet tall (if grown in the right conditions) and they can be smelled from a mile away. Plant your Foxgloves in rich, well-draining soil for the best results over the long term. The plants will even “drop seeds” come the end of the season, so it may be a good idea to thin out your flowers come Spring. Either way, the scent of these flowers will attract pollinators from all around.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons need plenty of sunlight to reach their full potential, so it’s best to propagate them indoors 4-6 weeks before you plan to move them outside. Soil should be at a balmy 65 degrees when you do plan to make that move, so make sure that you are taking note of the weather and planning accordingly. Space seedlings 6-12 inches apart. These are great nectar plants that pollinators seek. Find out more information on growing Snapdragon with my guide.
Bee Balm
Just as the name of this plant lets on, Bee Balm is the perfect nectar plant for pollinators! Not only that but because it is drought tolerant, it could be the perfect plant for those living in drier environments. For best growth, plant bee balm in an area of full sun that gets a little afternoon shade. Learn more about growing Bee Balm with my how-to guide, found here.
Hosta
Who knew that Hosta plants were attractive to pollinators? I seriously had no idea! The long stem on the Hosta plant makes it perfect for bees and other pollinators. Plant Hosta in an area of partial shade if you live in growing zones 3-8. They love acidic soil, so pair them next to your blueberry bushes!
I would like to know more about pollinating plants as I am just a beginner in gardening