Why Support Pollinators?

The state of Louisiana is home to hundreds of pollinator species that provide essential pollination services to the local ecosystem. Even the Louisiana state insect is a pollinator, the honeybee Aphis mellifera . LSU Entomology is working to make native landscapes accessible to the public and pollinators. Native landscapes can positively influence species diversity. With bees, birds, and butterflies gravitating towards native plants, flower gardens will help bring any yard to life. Planting native flowers and native milkweed can help preserve vital habitats for threatened or endangered species of Louisiana. Additionally, mosquito encounters will decrease due to the reintroduction of native habitats that encourage predators of mosquitoes to return. Pollinator gardens are designed to be low maintenance due to their natural tolerance to the Louisiana climate, which will reduce costs on water, fertilizer, and pesticide usage

How to prepare your garden:

1. Test your garden soil for nutrient levels and obtain fertilizer recommendations by submitting a sample to LSU’s soil testing lab on the first floor of Madison B. Sturgis Hall.
2. Research native plants that host pollinators. Identify compatible plant spaces based on soil conditions and spacing that suits your available space.
3. Purchase native seeds from nurseries to support natural biodiversity.
4. Develop a finalized landscape design. Plan out seed germination and flowering cycles so nectar is available throughout the growing season.

Please see other AgCenter publications for more information

• Vegetable Gardening: Bed Preparation
• Protect and promote pollinators
• Sustainable Home Gardening Series (video series)
• Who are Nature's Pollinators
• Summer Gardening to Support Pollinators

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  Pollinator Life Cycles

  The following are two pollinators in Louisiana: the state butterfly Gulf Fritillary and the state insect the Honeybee. These illustrations demonstrate how they rely on flowers for their survival.

Companion Plants

Companion plants, grow complementary to each other while supporting the soil’s health and nutrient diversity. Companion plants that prefer the same soil and climate conditions of their neighbor’s help sustain the health and biodiversity of your landscape. Some common plants that compliment Louisiana’s biodiversity are:

• Dill
• Marigold
• Lavender

When considering companion plants, utilize the Super Plant Program website under LSU AgCenter to view university evaluated flowers and shrubs that thrive in Louisiana’s growing conditions.

Please see other AgCenter publications on this page for more information

How to Protect Against Mosquitos

Do:

• Grow mosquito repelling plants such as marigolds, lavender, and herbs (mint, rosemary, basil, thyme, and sage)
• Assess your yard for standing water and tree holes that may collect water and create issues.
• Install a bat house to encourage predators to continue preying on pest arthropods.

Don’t:

• Plant bromeliads
• Allow puddles or bodies of standing water to linger in your landscape, they will become breeding sites for mosquitos.
• Apply broad spectrum insecticides to flowers, especially when pollinators are active