Pollinators play a powerful role in our food system. As much as one out of every three bites of food is made possible by pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds, moths, and even bats. But many pollinator species are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, and exposure to disease and parasites.
Farmers can help sustain healthy pollinator populations by planting native wildflowers on the farm. Native species provide food and habitat for pollinators, as well as birds and beneficial insects that help control crop pests, and help support overall ecosystem health and farm resilience.
Ready to attract pollinators to your farm? Here’s how to get started:
Selecting a site
When choosing where to plant natives for pollinator conservation, look for natural areas that are already supporting wildlife, such as field edges or hedgerows. If you don’t want to give up space from fields in production, see if there is an unproductive field corner that could be converted to pollinator habitat. Another option is planting strips directly in your field. Plant strategically next to crops that will require pollination, but make sure it’s in an area that will be protected from any pesticide drift.
Choosing your species
Select a mix of native plant varieties that will provide continuous blooms from spring to autumn, offering your pollinators a year-round buffet. Ideally, plan for at least three varieties of blooms for each season (spring, summer, and fall). If you want to attract butterflies, include host plants that caterpillars can feed on, such as milkweed. Check out RAFI’s North Carolina Pollinator Toolkit or consult with your local extension office to determine which species work best for your region and soil type.
Planting your plot
Fall is the preferred time to plant native seed mixes, while spring is ideal for planting perennial plugs. Arranging your natives together in clumps can help make foraging easier and more efficient for pollinators.
Maintenance & mowing
If your pollinator habitat is located on a field edge where regular cultivation will not happen through the farming season, mowing will be necessary. Divide the established habitat area into multiple sections and mow one section per year, ensuring that you disturb less than half of the total area annually. Monitor and remove any invasive species.
Caring with cover crops
If you want to support pollinators on your farm but aren’t quite ready to commit to a long-term perennial plot, consider using pollinator-friendly cover crops. Buckwheat, crimson clover, hairy vetch, field peas, and other flowering cover crops attract pollinators while also enhancing soil health in the field.
