You've worked hard on your garden plot, amending the soil, growing quality plants, selecting the right fertilizers and still your tomato and vegetable production isn't what you'd expected. Chances are the answer to the puzzle is pollinators or more correctly, lack of pollinators. Tomatoes, vegetables and fruit in our gardens need pollination in order to produce better harvests.
Pollination is accomplished by insects moving from plant to plant. Bees are the most common pollinators, along with butterflies, bumblebees, solitary bees, beetles and flies.
If you've been having problems with your tomato and vegetable plant's yields, increasing pollinator traffic will help. Pollinators thrive on flower nectar and pollen. Nectar feeds the adult bee and pollen is harvested to feed their young.
Begin by using a variety of plants that bloom from early spring to fall. This should include perennials, annuals, herbs and shrubs.
Second, plant in bunches. Planting in multiples instead of scattering individuals through the garden brings focus to your landscape and saves pollinator's energy searching for plants. Third, gardening with pollinators in mind will include a place for them to find water and nest. Birdbaths are a great source of water for bees and other pollinators.
Place some flat stones in the birdbath so bees will have a place to land and drink safely. Or, place a saucer filled with stones and water near your flowering plants. Most of our native bees are ground nesting. Leaving areas of the garden clear of weed barriers and mulch will encourage native bees to nest. With some thought and planning, you can make your ornamental garden a destination for bees and butterflies and your vegetable garden will benefit as a result.
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