LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Environmental contaminants, disease, and habitat loss have all contributed to the decline of many pollinator species, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Local gardening enthusiasts gathered this week to learn what pollinators to plant and the importance of supporting them at the Allen County Master Gardeners’ Brown Bag Series. The USDA reports that one out of every three bites of food we eat is thanks to animal pollinators. As home gardeners, there are ways we can help provide what is needed for bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators to survive.
The USDA reports that one out of every three bites of food we eat is thanks to animal pollinators.
“The essentials are, first of all, a good location, and having your plants sited for that location, whether it’s sun or shade,” said Kay Studer, Allen County Master Gardener. “Then you want pollinator-friendly plants that bloom throughout the season, so you want to stretch the season from spring to fall.”
Studer recommends planting coneflowers and asters and adding host plants such as milkweed and dill to support caterpillars. More information can be found at usda.gov by searching “The Importance of Pollinators.” The next Brown Bag presentation is scheduled for June 17 at 12:15 p.m. at the Children’s Garden, where the focus will be on learning about herbs.
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