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Million Pollinator Garden Challenge 2019 Posted on 19 Mar 18:12 , 2 comments

JOIN US in the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge!  Have you heard of the challenge?  



Mary's Heirloom Seeds is joining National Pollinator Garden Network CHALLENGE. according to their recent updates on their website, they have surpassed the million Garden mark last year.

Woohooo!

California Poppy

 

In case you missed it, last week we volunteered at a local Elementary School.  Our station was making pollinator-friendly seed balls.  If you'd like instructions to make your own CLICK HERE.  Part of our presentation was teaching kids about growing food and talking about different types of pollinators.  Besides the bees and butterflies, a few other pollinators include bats, ladybugs and even Lemurs!

 

 

The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge (MPGC) is a nationwide call to action to preserve and create gardens and landscapes that help revive the health of bees, butterflies, birds, bats and other pollinators across America. We will move millions of individuals, kids and families outdoors and make a connection between pollinators and the healthy food people eat.
The focus of the NPGN is: to inspire individuals and community groups, institutions and the garden industry to create more pollinator habitat through sustainable gardening practices, habitat conservation and provide these groups the tools to be successful.
FRENCH MARIGOLDS
So how are we getting involved?  We already offer a SUPER unique election of Wildflower Seeds and Herb Seeds that are bee-friendly.  We grow organic and plant for the bees in our own gardens.
 
FIRST, we are adding more Bee-Friendly SEEDS at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  Next, we are giving away FREE SEEDS!  
During the entire month of March we will include a free pack of bee-friendly seeds.  
BONUS, we have added a new combo pack!

If you haven't read our article Plant for Pollinators and Increase Crop Yields then NOW is the time.  Not only are you helping the precious bee and butterfly populations by planting pollinator-friendly varieties, you can boost your crops!!!
BORAGE is a bee-friendly herb and great companion to Tomatoes
How do YOU get involved?
Plant a Pollinator-Friendly "patch."  This can be a small area or a huge plot.  Every little bit counts.
-Stop using synthetic chemical pesticides in your yard and gardens
-Grow/Use plant varieties that provide nectar and pollen sources
-Provide a water source
-Establish continuous blooms throughout the season.  You can do this by staggering your planting by 2-4 week intervals.
-Create large "pollinator targets" of native or non-invasive plants
-Plan your pollinator garden in a sunny spot, preferably with a wind-break
 
Over the next few days I'll post a bit more about pollinators and bee-friendly gardening tips.
ECHINACEA (also known as coneflower) is another great pollinator-friendly herb
We offer a few combo packs...
"Flower Power" Herb Combo Pack - "Wild About Wildflowers" Check it out!!!

HELPFUL LINKS:

Companion Planting Guide
For more info on what to plant in your area, we have 2 region-specific planting guides


USDA ZONE PLANTING GUIDE


MARY'S 2018 PLANTING GUIDE FOR THE US

 

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Pollinator Protection Patch Posted on 11 Apr 11:36 , 1 comment

This might be one of our most exciting projects ever!  We are thrilled to dedicate this huge patch of the property for the pollinators that visit our veggie gardens.

 This patch is approx 30 ft by 130 ft!



What is a Pollinator Protection Patch?

This is our Pollinator sanctuary.
Pollinators require two essential components in their habitat: somewhere to nest and flowers from which to gather nectar and pollen.
We've shared about the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge in the past.  This is our way of expanding on that idea while expanding our pollinator garden.

 

 

Why are we planting for Pollinators?

There are hundreds (probably thousands) or articles available online about the importance of pollinators for crop production.
One recent concern a customer mentioned to us was blossoms forming and then falling off their squash plants.  In this case, the issue is most likely a lack of pollination.

You don't have to plant a large area to successfully attract pollinators to your garden.  It can be done by simply interplanting flowers and herbs in your current garden or setting aside a place dedicated to pollinator friendly plants.

We have decided to dedicate this large of a space because we are fortunate to have the extra room.  Most importantly, we do not use chemicals or sprays that would harm pollinators on ANY part of the property.

 

What are we planting in our

Pollinator Protection Patch?

This was a tough decision because honestly I wanted to plant ALL of the flowers!

First, we're starting with a
region-specific wildflower mix



A few other pollinator-friendly varieties we're planting include:


An annual, lemon flavored variety. Superb tea plant; striking pink-purple flowers, beautiful and tasty.


The flavor of Borage is similar to a cucumber.  Borage has bright blue, star-shaped flowers that explode in a blue profusion all summer attracting honey bees.


Sunflowers are easy to grow and hardy plants


 

COSMOS

 

LUPINE, WILD PERENNIAL

 



ZINNIAS

Specifically Zinnia Mix because I love the colors!


We might add a few others as this project progresses such as Purple Coneflower.  Stay tuned for updates!



I hope you have enjoyed another educational article.  If you have additional questions, please leave a comment below or send an email to mary@marysheirloomseeds.com

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