How to attract pollinators to your garden

When it comes to choosing plants, you need to think about the following criteria:

• the amount of space you have for planting;

• the time of year you plan to sow or plant;

• the flowering period;

• what the plant brings to the garden: e.g. fruits, vegetables, herbs, ornamental plants, etc.;

• the growth cycle of the plants (i.e. annual, perennial, trees).

Like for any other type of plant, it's important to pick the right species for your local climate and the type of soil you have.

Honey plants are plants that contribute to the production of honey, either directly or indirectly, as a result of bees gathering pollen from their flowers. Bees gather four essential ingredients from these plants: nectar, pollen, propolis and honeydew. But the first two substances are by far the most important:

• nectar is a raw material in honey production;

• pollen is used to feed the bees.

But bees have a much more important job than producing honey. In order to accomplish this task, they must visit flowers one by one and each time they do so, they leave behind a bit of pollen from the previous flower. In this way, bees work to pollinate a wide variety of plants. Pollen gathering results in fertilisation and is the most important task carried out by bees. Other pollinators also contribute to the process, but to a lesser extent.

Pollinator populations in general are in decline. In England alone, almost one in five species has been assessed as threatened with many more species assessed as ‘near threatened’. Increasing the number of honey or bee-friendly plants in the garden can be hugely important step in providing sustenance to these populations.

Bees are active from about the end of February to the end of October and therefore require plants that bloom at staggered times throughout this period. At the end of winter, once outdoor temperatures exceed 10°C, bees will seek out pollen as a priority in order to feed larvae and get the queen to start laying.

This is a critical period as the insects are hungry after the winter and the plants producing enough to feed off during this time are few and far between. Luckily, hazel, willow and almond trees all blossom very early on in the season and will get a lot of activity.

As a general rule, bees tend to find enough nourishment from the beginning of May through to July. There is then a trickier period during the height of summer. During this time, drought-resistant plants like viper's bugloss and sedums provide a welcome source of pollen.

Vegetable crops and herbs

Relatively few crops in the vegetable garden are visited by bees (with the exception of herbs). However, specialist bees will carry out specific tasks. For example, squash bees will pollinate any members of the cucurbits or squash family. Herbs, on the other hand, attract a wide variety of pollinators. Fennel, sage, thyme, coriander and rosemary will all provide nutrition for bees.

Ornamental flowers

Some cut and ornamental flowers, like dahlias, zinnias, cosmos and crocuses get a lot of pollinator activity. However, it's important to choose single-flower varieties rather than double-flower varieties. While the latter provide more spectacular blooms, they also attract fewer insects. Wildflower meadows can be very beneficial for pollinators. Bear in mind that it is important to choose the right varieties for where you live.

Field crops

Some field crops, like rapeseed and sunflowers, are very popular with bees. However, it is extremely important not to use plant protection products (especially insecticides) on these plants while they are flowering.

Fruit trees

Some of the best fruit tree varieties for pollinators include wild cherry and apple trees. Chestnut trees are also known to contribute to excellent honey production.

Ornamental shrubs and trees

False acacia, or black locust, trees are used to provide the nectar for acacia honey. Cotoneaster, maple and linden are some of the most bee-friendly trees you can find.

• The gardener's calender: a month-by-month guide

• What to plant and sow in April

• What to plant and sow in August

• How to prepare your garden for spring

• What to plant and sow in June

• What to plant and sow in July

• What to plant and sow in September

• What to plant and sow in October

• What to do in the garden in February

• Flowers to plant and sow in June

• What to do in the garden in January

• Flowers to plant and sow in May

• Flowers to plant and sow in March

• How to grow an organic garden

• How to start a vegetable garden

• Wildflower seed mix buying guide