The Benefits of Pollinators & How to Attract Them
- Allie Correa
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Why Pollinators Are Essential to Farming
When you think about fresh fruits, vegetables, and thriving gardens, you may not immediately think of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds—but you should! Pollinators in farming play a crucial role in helping plants produce the food we eat. Without them, many of our favorite crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash, wouldn’t be possible.
At Arrows Farm, we make it a priority to create a habitat where pollinators can thrive. From planting wild plum trees and mulberries to companion planting with comfrey and flowering herbs, we take steps to ensure these essential creatures have everything they need.
If you’re looking to support pollinators in your own garden, keep reading! We’re sharing what we do on the farm, how kids at Mini Farm Camp will learn about pollinators, and what’s coming soon to our Veggie Boxes.
The Role of Pollinators in Farming
Pollinators—including bees, butterflies, beetles, and even birds—are responsible for transferring pollen between plants, allowing them to produce fruit and seeds. Around 75% of flowering plants and 35% of the world's crops rely on pollinators to reproduce!
However, pollinators are in decline due to habitat loss and pesticides. That’s why farms and home gardeners alike need to intentionally plant for pollinators, creating spaces where they can feed, rest, and thrive.
How We Attract Pollinators at Arrows Farm
At Arrows Farm, we incorporate a variety of trees, flowers, and companion plants to encourage pollinators and improve our farm’s ecosystem.
Wild Plum & Mulberry Trees
Our wild plum and mulberry trees provide an early-season nectar source for bees and butterflies while attracting beneficial insects that help with natural pest control. Later in the season, they produce fruit—another delicious perk!
The Power of Comfrey
We plant comfrey beneath fruit trees because it’s a pollinator magnet, improves soil health, and acts as a natural mulch when cut back. Comfrey’s deep roots pull up nutrients, making them available for surrounding plants—an excellent strategy for regenerative farming.
Flowering Perennials & Herbs
To keep our pollinators happy, we grow:
Hostas, irises, & four o'clocks – Beautiful blooms that support a variety of pollinators.
Elderberries & crabapple trees – These provide nectar in spring and food for wildlife later in the year.
Basil, mint, & fennel – Herbs attract pollinators and add fresh flavor to our kitchen!
Other Pollinator-Friendly Plants at Arrows Farm
Crabapple Trees – Early blossoms attract bees.
Blueberry & Mulberry Bushes – Flowers provide nectar, and berries feed birds.
Elderberries – A favorite of pollinators and beneficial for humans, too!
Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Squash, Peas, Fennel, and Onions – All require pollination for fruiting.
Rosehips (Wild Roses) – Great for bees and later provide vitamin-rich food for wildlife.
Dandelions & Clovers – Some of the earliest nectar sources for pollinators and excellent for soil health! Clover also fixes nitrogen, naturally enriching the soil.
How You Can Support Pollinators
Want to bring more pollinators to your own garden? Here’s what you can do:
Plant a Variety of Flowers – Choose native plants that bloom at different times of the year.
Let Weeds Grow – Dandelions and clover are early food sources for bees.
Avoid Pesticides – Harsh chemicals can harm beneficial insects.
Provide Shelter – Keep small areas wild with logs, brush piles, or bee houses.
Grow Pollinator-Friendly Veggies – Tomatoes, squash, and berries all need pollination!
What’s Growing Now? A Sneak Peek at Our Veggie Boxes!
As we prepare for summer, we’re excited to include pollinator-supported crops in our Veggie Boxes, such as: Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Squash, Blueberries & blackberries, Peas, Fennel, Onions, Zucchini, and more!
These crops wouldn’t thrive without pollinators, making them an essential part of our farm. Want to enjoy farm-fresh produce straight from our fields to your table? Sign up for a Veggie Box today!
Don’t forget—our 10% discount ends March 31st with code EARLYBIRD
Mini Farm Camp: Teaching Kids About Pollinators
At our upcoming Mini Farm Camp, kids will get hands-on experience learning about pollinators, planting seeds, and exploring nature.
Pollinator Scavenger Hunt – We’ll search for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial bugs around the farm.
Book Spotlight: The Reason for a Flower by Ruth Heller – A colorful introduction to why flowers are so important in attracting pollinators.
Ladybug Rock Painting – Campers will create ladybug rock art to take home as a reminder of nature’s tiny helpers.
Sensory & Planting Stations – Kids will dig in the soil, plant seeds, and smell fresh herbs like basil and mint!
Spots for Summer Farm Camp are filling up fast! Register now to secure your child’s place.
Pollinators are vital to farming, and by supporting them, we support the entire food system. Whether you’re joining us at Mini Farm Camp, signing up for a Veggie Box, or planting a pollinator-friendly garden at home, you’re making a difference!
Comments