Planting for Pollinators: Quick-Start Flowers Kids Can Grow Right Now
Missed the spring planting rush? Don't worry! June and July are actually perfect for planting potted, heat-loving annuals and fast-growing herbs that give local pollinators an instant buffet when they need it most.
The Activities
1. The "Pollinator Pizza" Container Garden
a. How it works: Grab a wide, shallow pot (like a classic terra cotta bowl). Let kids arrange a mix of bright summer annuals that bloom immediately.
b. What to Plant: Focus on high-nectar, kid-friendly plants like bright Marigolds, Zinnias, and Salvia. Arrange them in a circle like pizza slices!
2. The Pollinator Herb Cafe
a. How it works: Plant a small container with sensory herbs that both kids and bees love.
b. What to Plant: Basil, Lavender, and Mint are perfect. Parent Tip: Let a few stalks of your basil or mint go to flower—the tiny blossoms are absolute magnets for native solitary bees.
3. The Muddy Root Ball Check
a. How it works: When planting your summer pots, let kids gently tickle the roots of the plant out of its nursery container to see how the roots grow. Get your hands dirty, drop it in the soil, and give it a heavy drink of water to survive the summer heat.
