top of page
Search

Planting for Pollinators

  • Writer: Melissa Carter
    Melissa Carter
  • Jun 18, 2019
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 9, 2020

By: Kirsti Harms, Executive Director of Native Prairies Association of Texas



These days there is a growing interest in helping our pollinators. According to the Million Pollinator Gardens Challenge [http://millionpollinatorgardens.org], pollinators are responsible for one out of three bites of food we take each day, and yet pollinators are at a critical point in their own survival. Many reasons contribute to their recent decline. More nectar and pollen sources provided by flowering plants and trees will help improve their health and numbers. 

Want to help pollinators and learn by doing? Native prairies make great habitats for our insects. For those of you with small garden spaces, a pocket prairie may be the way to go. Even a small plot can provide food and shelter for butterflies, bees and other insects. Check out “Building a Pocket Prairie” [http://www.katyprairie.org/buildpocketprairies/] on Katy Prairie Conservancy's website. This page includes tips on selecting and preparing a sunny site, finding plants and seeds, getting others involved, and then telling the story of your prairie.



In Texas, late summer and fall are the best times to plant a native garden. And summer is a good time to plan it and work on site preparation. Our mild winters give seeds and young plants time to become established before the long, hot summer hits. 

Finding the right plants for your region is very important. One of my favorite books for inspiration is "Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region" by Andy and Sally Wasowski. A great resource for native seeds for your region is Native American Seed [seedsource.com]. Check out some of the articles at that site while you're there. The Bee Happy and Butterfly Retreat mixes are great for adding pollinator-attracting wildflowers to your prairie. 



To deepen your experience with planting, collecting seeds, and buying and transplanting native plants get involved with your local prairie, native plant society or master naturalist group--you'll meet others involved with prairie projects. A Pocket Prairie Teachers Facebook group was formed by NPAT Director of Education, Della Barbato to create a network of folks working to create pocket prairies in the Houston area. Check it out!

To increase your plant knowledge, visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin or go to wildflower.org. There's an educational page at Here in Houston [https://www.hereinhouston.org/coastal-prairies] that includes several area prairies (large and small) that you can visit for inspiration.


Check out https://pollinator.org/pollinator-week and find out what other actions you can take to help our pollinators.


Have fun with your prairie and share your stories!


 
 
 

10 Comments


Irene Jackman
Irene Jackman
Jul 04

You explain things so well! This was a great read and super helpful. Looking forward to more content like this. Ladies Leather Hooded Jacket

Like

Walter Johnson
Walter Johnson
Jun 23

If you're into crypto faucets or want to play and earn https://rollercoin.com/free-bitcoin RollerCoin is your go-to. Play different mini-games to power your mining rigs and get more coins. Compete against others or mine solo — either way, you’re earning coins. Sign up now and see how fun and rewarding virtual mining can be. Your progress is saved, and you can return any time to keep mining. Solana, Bitcoin, Dogecoin and more — RollerCoin has multiple faucet options. Play different mini-games to power your mining rigs and get more coins. The platform rewards you with real crypto based on your game activity. Build your mining farm, complete tasks, and withdraw your earnings. Play different mini-games to power your mining rigs and get…

Like

hekaho4128
Jun 15

Media plays a vital role in shaping opinions, delivering information, and entertaining audiences worldwide. With the rise of digital platforms, streaming services like Disney Plus have transformed how we consume content. From classic Disney animations to Marvel and Star Wars franchises, users enjoy a vast library at their fingertips. However, technical issues or subscription concerns can arise. In such cases, it's essential to contact Disney Plus customer service for quick support and solutions. As media continues to evolve, reliable customer service ensures a seamless experience, helping users enjoy their favorite shows without interruption and keeping media consumption hassle-free and enjoyable.

Like

kojig49255
Jun 15

Media is no longer just about broadcasting information—it's about interaction, engagement, and influence. In this fast-paced digital age, our ability to critically evaluate the information we consume has become more important than ever. Understanding the power of media allows us to navigate the noise and focus on what truly matters in society.

Like

kojig49255
Jun 15

Despite its flaws, responsible media continues to highlight injustices, give a voice to the voiceless, and promote global awareness. For instance, coverage of humanitarian crises, climate change, and technological breakthroughs has mobilized public support and political action.

Like
seal_green_bulleted_vertical.jpg
2023 ESTX-MemberBadge-horiz.png
banner.png
PNA Award Badge.jpg

GET ON THE LIST!
Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to receive news and updates.

Thank you for subscribing!

8801 Gosling Road, Spring, TX 77381
(281) 576-1634
 info@bayouland.org

Connect with Us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

© 2018 by Bayou Land Conservancy

All rights reserved.

bottom of page