February is a great time to plan for planting pollinator plants in and around your vegetable garden. Pollinators play a key role in plant health and production. When you attract pollinators, your blooming plants perform better and produce more.
Pollinators include bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By planting the right flowers, you support these beneficial insects and improve your garden at the same time.
Why Pollinators Matter
Plants that attract bees and other pollinators help vegetables, fruit trees, and flowering plants thrive. Pollination increases flower production, improves fruit set, and leads to better harvests.
A garden with pollinator plants is healthier, more productive, and more balanced.
Best Pollinator Plants to Grow
There are many easy-to-grow plants that attract pollinators throughout the growing season. Mixing different bloom times helps provide nectar and pollen from spring through fall.
Lavender is a great source of nectar. It can be challenging to grow in Texas, but when established, pollinators love it.
Coneflower is an excellent summer plant with prolific blooms. Bees and butterflies are frequent visitors.
Bee balm is a strong pollinator plant that attracts bees and hummingbirds. It performs well in garden beds and borders.
Salvia is one of the best nectar plants you can grow. It thrives in Texas heat and draws bees and hummingbirds.
Black-eyed Susan is a native plant that is easy to grow and reliable. It supports a wide range of pollinators.
Milkweed is essential for monarch butterflies. Monarchs rely on milkweed for their life cycle, making it a must-have plant.
Zinnias are easy to grow and a favorite of butterflies. They add bright color and bloom quickly from seed.
Cosmos are excellent pollinator plants that require little maintenance. Bees and butterflies are drawn to their open blooms.
Gregg’s mistflower is a standout for bees and butterflies. It blooms later in the season when nectar sources are limited.
Dandelions are often overlooked. If you are trying to attract bees, do not kill this plant. Bees love dandelions, and they are also edible.
Where to Plant Pollinator Plants
Plant pollinator flowers near your vegetable garden, around fruit trees, and along walkways or borders. Grouping plants together makes it easier for pollinators to find them.
Choose sunny locations with good drainage for best results.
Start Planning Now
February is the perfect time to plan your pollinator garden. Early planning ensures you have the right plants ready when planting season arrives.
Be sure to follow Johnson Feed Co. on Facebook for more gardening tips.
