When spring finally arrives, it can feel like every garden is suddenly bursting to life – but that isn't always the case. In fact, gardening experts often talk about the 'pollinator hunger gap': at this time of year, plants aren't quite flowering yet, but pollinators like butterflies and bees are desperate for nectar.
This shortage of pollen sources can be detrimental to insects, leaving your garden a little sparse. It sounds disheartening, but there is a solution. In my view, in fact, there's only one plant you really need to bridge the hunger gap: dandelions.
While we commonly view them as nothing more than weeds, dandelions really are some of the best plants for pollinators. (And if you want to add some to your garden, you can pick up heirloom dandelion seeds at Amazon.)
What is the Pollinator Hunger Gap?
As spring arrives, many flowers haven't quite reached their full potential, and many will take a little longer to bloom.
For pollinators, however, now is a pivotal time to start feeding. After months of colder weather, insects are returning to our gardens to find nectar – but this means that there are far more pollinators right now than flowers they can feed on.
'Bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other insects are all emerging as the seasons shift,' explains Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens. 'They need to feed after winter, but since there isn't a huge amount of flowers in bloom, "weeds" such as dandelions are in fact a lifeline.'
Why Are Dandelions Helpful For Pollinators?
It's easy to overlook flowers like dandelions, but they are some of the best plants you can choose to attract early spring pollinators, and they're ideal for providing that extra source of nectar.
'At this time of year we all start to notice dandelions popping up on our lawns and around the edges of borders,' says Rachel.
'Rather than fret over weeds growing once again, I love to see them appear in my garden. They really are vital food for bees and butterflies before much else is really blooming.'
If you're keen to create a wildlife garden this year, dandelions are a crucial component. They make feeding extremely time-efficient for pollinators like bees and butterflies, and they guarantee a reliable source of nectar.
'The vibrant yellow hue of dandelions means they are unmissable in any yard, and they are incredibly easy for pollinators to feed from owing to their large, flat tops,' explains Rachel. 'Overall, dandelions help to make feeding very low effort for hungry insects.'
Other Flowers to Consider
Your yard might not be a riot of color just yet, but there are plenty more flowers that can help you bridge that hunger gap and welcome more pollinators.
The secret? Weeds – and any other flowers that you might otherwise overlook. (Alliums are a brilliant flower that attracts bees, for example; you'll find gladiator allium bulbs at Amazon.)
'Cowslips, too, are nectar-rich.' says Rachel. 'Their bell-like flowers are ideal for long-tongued insects to feed from. These so-called weeds are crucial to ecosystems and the biodiversity of your garden, so try to leave as many as you can this spring.'
You can pick up a container of marsh marigold at Nature Hills, which early pollinators would adore.
Shop More Pollinator-Friendly Plants
In the springtime, landscaping with lavender won't just make your garden look gorgeous; it's also a failsafe way to attract bees and butterflies.
If you're desperate to bring vibrancy back to your garden after winter, crocus is one of the best spring bulbs you can choose – and bees adore it.
The clue is in the name: bee balm is beloved by pollinators. It's also a particularly great option if you're looking to create a balcony garden.
Want to really bridge the pollinator hunger gap and transform your yard in the process? We asked experts to explain how to create a garden for pollinators – and we've also compiled a list of the best container plants for pollinators, if you happen to be short on growing space.
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