Planting for Pollinators: Help Bees and Butterflies Thrive

Show some extra Earth Day love by planting for pollinators. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators play an important role in helping plants grow and reproduce. Even small gardens, container planters, or windowsill herbs can provide valuable food sources for these amazing creatures.

We started our pollinator garden by upcycling a simple cardboard egg carton to start lavender and cilantro seeds. It's an easy, earth-friendly way to begin growing herbs that pollinators love.

Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need:

• A cardboard egg carton
• Herbs like lavender, cilantro, fennel, basil, thyme, and sage
• A pen or needle to poke holes in the egg carton
• A watering can or spray bottle

Herbs and Flowers That Attract Pollinators

Many common herbs and garden plants are wonderful for attracting pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to plants that produce nectar and pollen, which provide important food sources. By growing a few pollinator-friendly herbs or flowers, you can help support these tiny helpers while also creating a more vibrant garden.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the best plants for attracting bees and butterflies. Its fragrant purple flowers are rich in nectar and bloom throughout much of the summer, giving pollinators a reliable food source. Lavender also adds beautiful color and a calming scent to any garden.

Cilantro

Cilantro might surprise you as a pollinator plant. When cilantro is allowed to flower, it produces small white blossoms that attract beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.

Basil

Basil is another herb that pollinators love once it begins to flower. Bees are especially attracted to basil blossoms, and the plant can be a wonderful addition to both herb gardens and container planters.

Thyme and Sage

Low-growing herbs like thyme and sage are fantastic for pollinators. Their tiny flowers produce plenty of nectar and are easy for bees to access. These herbs also thrive in small gardens, raised beds, and containers.

Fennel

Fennel produces clusters of bright yellow flowers that attract butterflies and other beneficial insects. It’s a great addition to pollinator gardens and provides a food source for many butterfly species.

Even a small herb garden on a windowsill or balcony can help support pollinators. When many gardeners plant pollinator-friendly herbs and flowers, the result is a network of tiny habitats that help bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds thrive.

Poke Holes in the Bottom of the Egg Carton

Use a pen or needle to poke small drainage holes in each egg cup. This allows excess water to drain out and keeps your seeds from becoming waterlogged.

Add Soil to the Carton

Fill each section of the egg carton with seed-starting soil. Lightly pack the soil so the seeds will have good contact with moisture.

Add Seeds to the Soil

Plant your herb seeds according to the instructions on the packet. Herbs like lavender, cilantro, basil, fennel, and thyme are wonderful for attracting pollinators to your garden.

Pat Down the Soil

Gently pat the soil around the seeds so they stay in place and maintain good contact with the soil.

Give Your Seeds a Drink

Lightly water the soil using a watering can or spray bottle. Keep the soil moist while the seeds germinate.

Adding plants like this to your yard — whether in a raised bed, container planter, or windowsill — helps support pollinators that are essential for healthy ecosystems and thriving gardens.

Why Pollinators Matter

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds help plants produce fruits, vegetables, and seeds. By planting pollinator-friendly herbs and flowers, you can create small habitats that support biodiversity and healthier gardens.

If you enjoy earth-friendly garden projects, you might also like:

• DIY Mandala Garden Stones
• DIY Tin Can Planters
• Top Oxygen Producing Houseplants
• Earth Day Leaf Tree Activity
  

Celebrate Pollinators Everywhere

Planting pollinator-friendly herbs and flowers is one beautiful way to support bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. But you can also celebrate these amazing creatures in everyday life with art and accessories inspired by nature. At Soul Flower, we design eco-friendly clothing and accessories inspired by nature, creativity, and the free-spirited lifestyle.

Bee Yourself Enamel Camping Cup

The Bee Yourself Enamel Camping Cup features a hand-drawn bee design and holds about 16 ounces of your favorite drink, perfect for mornings in the garden or evenings around the campfire.

Pollinators Eco Tote Bag

Heading to the farmer’s market or garden center? The Pollinators Eco Tote Bag celebrates the bees and butterflies that help gardens flourish.

Nature Inspired Details

Free Spirit Butterfly Iron-On Patch and Brass Dragonfly Earrings are small reminders of the beauty and importance of the natural world.

Butterflies and dragonflies are often found in pollinator-friendly gardens, making them perfect symbols for anyone who loves spending time among flowers and herbs.