Welcome to The Buzz, your go-to pollinator conservation podcast! I'm April Johnson, the NDSU Extension Pollinator Technician, and in today's short episode, I'll be sharing my top 10 tips for making your garden a thriving haven for biodiversity.

This podcast is supported in part by the USDA, NIFA Crop Protection and Pest Management - Extension Implementation Program, award number 2021-70006-35330. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the USDA. 

1. Choose Native Plants: Select a variety of native plants that are well-adapted to your region's climate and soil conditions. Native plants are typically low-maintenance and provide essential food and habitat for local pollinators.
 
2. Flower diversity: Plant a diverse array of flowering plants with different shapes, colors, and bloom times to attract a wide range of pollinators throughout the growing season. Consider incorporating flowers with varying heights and textures to create visual interest. Avoid using double-bloom plants, as their pollen-production parts have been genetically managed into extra petals. These blooms are stunning, but devoid of pollen and nectar.

3. Plant in Clusters: Group plants of the same species together in clusters rather than scattering them throughout the garden. This makes it easier for pollinators to locate and access the flowers, increasing the efficiency of their foraging efforts.

4. Incorporate Non-Flowering Plants: Include a variety of non-flowering plants, such as ornamental grasses and foliage plants, to add texture and structure to the garden. These plants can also serve as host plants for certain butterfly species.

5. Provide Shelter: Include features such as shrubs, trees, and dense vegetation to provide shelter and nesting sites for pollinators. Consider adding bee or butterfly houses to enhance habitat diversity. Provide nesting sites for solitary bees and other pollinators by leaving patches of bare soil or leaving dead wood and plant stems in your garden until spring.

6. Add Water Sources: Provide a shallow water source such as a birdbath or shallow dish filled with pebbles for pollinators to drink from. Keep the water clean and refresh it regularly.

7. Limit Pesticide Use: Minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides in your garden, as these chemicals can harm pollinators and other beneficial insects. 
a. If pesticides are necessary, opt for organic or least-toxic options that are less harmful to pollinators and other beneficial insects.
b. Apply pesticides during times when pollinators are less active, such as early in the morning or late in the evening, and avoid spraying flowering plants.
c. Encourage natural pest predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, by avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides that harm beneficial insects along with pests.

8. Maintain Garden Edges: Define garden edges with borders, pathways, or fencing to create a tidy and cohesive look. This helps delineate the garden space and prevents plants from encroaching on neighboring areas.

9. Add Decorative Elements: Incorporate decorative elements such as garden art, sculptures, or colorful planters to enhance the visual appeal of the garden. Choose items that complement the overall theme and style of your design. Submit the application for an NDSU Certified Home Garden and we will send you a free sign to display in your garden. 

10. Educate and Engage: Educate yourself and others about threats to pollinator welfare, such as habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, and disease. Share information about the benefits of creating pollinator-friendly gardens with your neighbors and community. Consider hosting workshops, garden tours, or educational events to inspire others to join the effort.

By taking these specific steps to support pollinators we can contribute to the health and resilience of our ecosystems. Together, we can ensure a future where pollinators thrive and continue to fulfill their essential role in sustaining life on Earth.

Be sure to subscribe to The Buzz for future episodes, and follow us on Facebook at NDSU Extension Pollinator Conservation. Until next time, continue to make your gardens a biodiverse haven for pollinators of all shapes and sizes. Thanks for listening.