Spring Garden Prep
As the days start to lengthen and signs of spring appear, it’s a great time to start thinking about how your outdoor space can support pollinators. From bees and butterflies to hoverflies and moths, these insects are essential to healthy ecosystems and food production. Whether you’ve got a big garden, a compact patio, or even just a sunny balcony, there’s plenty you can do to give them a helping hand.
At the most basic level, pollinators need two things: food and shelter.
Food: Flowers
Nectar and pollen are their main food sources, which means flowers are key. You don’t need a huge plot to grow pollinator-friendly plants. Flowers can thrive in pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, and even vertical planters. Pollinators have been spotted in some unexpected places. In fact, our rooftop surveys have found bees buzzing happily several storeys up, so urban gardeners shouldn’t feel discouraged.
When planning what to plant, aim for variety across the seasons. Flowers like crocuses and snowdrops provide much-needed food in early spring, while lavender and foxgloves feed pollinators through summer. Later in the year, ivy and sedum help bridge the gap into autumn. If you have room for trees or shrubs, species like hawthorn, cherry, hazel, and apple blossom early and provide pollinators a massive resource.
For more ideas, have a look at our seasonal plant guide (link to plant guide).
Shelter: Nesting and Resting Spots
Alongside food, pollinators also need safe places to nest and rest. Bee hotels are a popular choice, particularly for solitary species like red mason bees. If you decide to add one, pick a sunny, sheltered spot that’s at least a metre off the ground. A shaded spot won’t see (m)any visitors. There’s ongoing debate about whether or not to clean bee hotels. Some say regular maintenance reduces the risk of disease, while others believe parasites are part of the natural cycle. It’s a good opportunity to reflect on what it really means to support “wild” bees.
It’s also worth remembering that most bee species in the UK are ground nesters. These bees look for bare, undisturbed soil, often in sunny patches. You can help by leaving a few open areas free of mulch, paving, or heavy planting. This kind of habitat is simple to create and can be just as important as putting up a bee hotel.
(Link to Konstantinos’ bee bank guide)
Although it’s too late for many spring bulbs, early spring is still a good time to sow hardy annuals and perennials. If you’re starting from seed, you can begin indoors and plant out once the risk of frost has passed. For next year’s early flowers, make a note to plant bulbs in autumn. No matter what kind of space you have, a few thoughtful choices can make a real difference. With a bit of planning now, your garden can become a haven for pollinators all year round.
