How to make a spring pot for pollinators

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Saturday, 11 May 2019 at 10:13 am

Follow our guide to making a spring pot for pollinators using campanula and foxgloves.

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In spring, pollinators such as bumblebees, butterflies and hoverflies will have just emerged from hibernation or flown here from Europe and Africa. Most will need nectar for energy and pollen to feed their young.

Learn how to make your garden bee-friendly in spring.

You can help pollinators by choosing simple, single-flowered plants with open centres, which will allow them easy access to their food - such as the plants used in this pretty pot.

You Will Need

Large pot
Spring-flowering plants, we used campanula, orlaya, digitalis and viola
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

Total time: 30 minutes

Step 1

Filling the pot with compost

Fill your large pot so that it is two-thirds full with compost, lightly firming it as you fill, and start adding the plants. Put in the tallest ones first, starting at the back.

Step 2

Planting up the pot

Firm the compost around the plants and add more plants around the sides. Add more compost around the plants so the surface is just below the pot's rim and firm well.

Step 3

Watering the plants

Water thoroughly with a watering can that has a rose attached. Continue to water the plants two or three times a week after planting until they become established.

Get more foxgloves for free

Collect seed from the foxgloves when the flowers are over, and sow for fresh plants next year.

Faux terracotta pot

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