When gardeners think of pollinators, managed hives of European honeybees often come to mind. Yet, here in the Ohio Valley and Central Midwest region, there are hundreds of species of native bees, butterflies, moths, and other insects that help pollinate our vegetable gardens and flowerbeds. Planting Midwest and Missouri native pollinator plants is one way to protect these valuable species. The Purpose of a Pollinator Garden: Ohio Valley Region Protecting pollinators can’t be overstressed. It’s estimated one of every three bites of food is the result of cross-pollination by pollinators. If you like tomatoes, here’s a fun fact: native bumble bees are more effective at pollinating tomato flowers than the European honeybee. While most gardeners are aware that honeybee populations have been declining, they may not realize that many native species of pollinators are also endangered. By creating a pollinator garden, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Central Midwest gardeners can help protect […]
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