Native Plants Encourage Pollinators

Flowers, herbs, shrubs and trees that are native to Central Indiana provide ecological support to fruit and vegetable growers by increasing the number and diversity of beneficial insects and pollinators. The Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District (MCSWCD) has prepared Native Plantings for Beneficial Insects and Pollinators, [PDF] a guide that provides a list of recommended species and outlines simple steps to establish a native planting on Indiana small farms, gardens, and residential landscapes. The species listed have been found to be especially productive in providing habitat for pollinators and for beneficial insects that suppress crop pests. In addition, native plants don’t need pesticides to thrive. Growing native plants and wildflowers supports beneficial insects like honeybees, which are sensitive to insecticides. The publication was funded through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture’s Clean Water Indiana grant program.