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Page 10 Spring Home Improvement • Thursday , April 25 , 2024
monticellotimes . com
Pollinators are an important part of gardens
A thriving backyard garden requires homeowners to take steps to ensure the garden has the best environment in which to grow and thrive . The right tools and components , including trowels , rakes , soil , amendments , and fertilizer , can help gardeners create beautiful spaces .
It ’ s also important that pollinators are made to feel welcome in the garden .
The United States Department of Agriculture reports that one-third of all agricultural output depends on pollinators . The USDA notes that insects and other animal pollinators are vital to the production of healthy crops
for food , fibers , edible oils , medicines and other products . Pollinators also are essential for maintaining habitats and ecosystems that many wild animals rely on for food and shelter .
The U . S . Forest Service says that , without pollinators , the human race and all of the earth ’ s terrestrial ecosystems would not survive .
Pollination done the natural way often yields large , flavorful fruits .
Pollinators are makeor-break components of large-scale agriculture , and they ’ re just as important in private home gardens .
The Pollinator Partnership , an organization that
works to protect pollinators and their habitats across North America , says pollinators include bees , butterflies , beetles , birds and bats . These animals travel from plant to plant carrying pollen on their bodies . The following are some ways to maintain healthy pollinator habitats .
• Consider the soil and types of plants that will thrive in it before choosing what to plant .
Fix drainage issues and plant with sunlight in mind .
• Vary the colors and shapes of plants to attract a greater array of pollinators . Plant flowers close to vegetable gardens to attract pollinators .
( SUBMITTED PHOTO )
The USDA notes that insects and other animal pollinators are vital to the production of healthy crops for food , fibers , edible oils , medicines and other products .
• Group plants together when planting to more effectively attract pollinators .
• Select plants that flower at different times of the year so that nectar and pollen sources are available year-round .
• Whenever possible , choose native plants .
• Avoid the use of
See Pollinators , Page 14
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