How to Support Pollinators in Fall and Winter: Simple Steps with a Big Impact
Last fall, I had an eye-opening experience at one of my markets. Thousands of bees swarmed my booth, drawn to the elderberry syrup I had on display. A local farmer explained that a recent cold snap had left the bees with fewer flowers to visit, and they were desperately searching for food.
This encounter got me thinking about how we can all support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects—especially during the colder months when their usual food and shelter become scarce. Our ecosystems depend on these tiny workers, but they face increasing challenges as the seasons change. So, what can we do to help them? Here are four simple ways to make a big difference:
1. Plant Late-Blooming Flowers 
Why it matters: As summer flowers fade, pollinators often struggle to find enough nectar to prepare for winter. Late-blooming flowers like goldenrod, asters, and sedum keep providing nectar and pollen when other plants have stopped. These flowers give bees and butterflies a vital food source, helping them build up energy reserves before the cold really sets in.
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How to help: Adding a few of these fall-friendly plants to your garden will ensure pollinators have what they need to thrive later in the season. Not only are these plants low-maintenance, but they also add a beautiful splash of color to your garden when most other plants are fading.
2. Create a Bee Hotel 
Why it matters: While we often think of honeybees in hives, many native bees (like mason bees) are solitary and nest in small cavities in the ground or in wood. As natural habitats are cleared, these bees have fewer places to shelter, lay eggs, and survive the winter.
How to help: You can buy or DIY a bee hotel using small hollow tubes or drilled wood. Placing it in your yard gives these solitary pollinators a safe space to nest, protecting them through the winter. These bees may not produce honey, but they play an essential role in pollinating local plants, including many of the fruits and vegetables we rely on.
3. Provide a Water Source 
Why it matters: Pollinators need water just like any other animal, but clean water can be hard to come by as temperatures drop or water sources freeze. Bees use water to help regulate the temperature of their hives and to dilute honey to feed their larvae, while butterflies use it for hydration.
How to help: A shallow dish of water, or a handcrafted bee cup, with some pebbles for landing spots, creates a safe drinking source. It’s a simple addition to your yard that can sustain these insects when other water sources disappear.
4. Skip the Rake 
Why it matters: Fallen leaves are more than just yard waste—they create a crucial habitat for many pollinators. Butterflies and moths often overwinter in the leaf litter as caterpillars or pupae, while bees can use the layer of leaves for insulation during the colder months.
How to help: Instead of raking all your leaves, consider leaving some areas of your yard undisturbed. You can still clear paths or heavily trafficked areas, but letting leaves accumulate in garden beds or corners of your yard creates a natural blanket, allowing pollinators to hibernate safely. Come spring, they’ll re-emerge, ready to support your garden!
Why It Matters
Pollinators are critical to both the natural environment and agriculture. Bees, butterflies, and other insects pollinate around 75% of the crops we eat, as well as countless wild plants. Yet, their populations are under threat from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. By taking small, intentional steps, we can create a more supportive environment for these important creatures, helping them survive and thrive throughout the year.
Supporting pollinators doesn’t require a huge effort—just a few simple changes in your yard or garden can make a big difference. So as the weather cools, consider how you can give back to the bees and butterflies that help keep our world buzzing.
Together, we can make a positive impact on the ecosystem, one garden at a time.
