Spring is a great time to start planting in Arkansas, with its warm days and cool nights. And it looks like we have some great Spring weather ahead — perfect for getting outside and getting some Vitamin D and fresh air.

If you’ve thought about growing a garden but don’t know what to plant, we’ve got you covered! Here's a guide to help you create a garden that not only thrives but also supports pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Best Tips for Spring Planting

Stay in Your Zone: Arkansas spans USDA Hardiness Zones 6-8. Adjust planting dates based on your specific zone. (see map below)

Prepare the Soil: Add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil before you plant. TIP: Coffee grounds make a great addition to the soil!

Plan for Pollinators:

1. Choose native plants. In addition to naturally attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, native plants thrive in local conditions and don’t need a lot of maintenance.

2. Plant in clusters to make it easier for pollinators to find food sources.

3. Include plants with staggered bloom times. Not only will this provide nectar throughout the growing season, but it also makes for a beautiful garden that continues to delight throughout the season.
   

Avoid Pesticides: Use natural pest control methods to protect pollinators. While using pesticides might seem like a quick and easy solution, they have long-term consequences to both wildlife and people!

Provide Water Sources: A shallow dish with water and stones can serve as a hydration station for pollinators.

USDA Planting Zones for Arkansas

Native Plants for Pollinators

Native plants are essential for supporting local wildlife. Some of the most damaging plants we see in Arkansas were non-native plants brought here because they were “pretty”. Often times, these invasive plants can take over the landscape, crowding out the native plants that are necessary to protect the delicate balance of nature. If you have some land, you are probably familiar with battling lovely, but invasive plants such as kudzu, Japanese honeysuckle, Chinese wisteria, English ivy, Chinese privet, Chinaberry and hydrilla.

Your best bet is to go native. Here are some excellent choices for Arkansas gardens:

Flowers

• Round-leaf Ragwort (Packera obovata): Early spring bloomer that provides nectar for bees.

• Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata): Shade-tolerant and ideal for attracting butterflies.

• Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): A favorite of hummingbirds with red, tubular flowers.

• Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica): Early nectar source with pink-to-purple blooms.|
  

Shrubs

• American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): Produces vibrant purple berries that attract birds.

• Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis): A magnet for bees and butterflies.
  

Perennials

• Bee Balm (Monarda spp.): Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its fragrant blooms.

• Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Essential for monarch butterflies as a host plant.

Vegetables and Herbs That Attract Pollinators

Incorporating vegetables and herbs can also support pollinators:

• Basil, Lavender, and Sage: Great for bees.

• Squash, Tomatoes, and Peppers: Provide pollen while yielding food for your table.

• Sunflowers: Attract bees and provide seeds for birds.

Plants by Pollinator Type

Bees: Bee balm, lavender, sunflowers, wild geranium
Butterflies: Milkweed, coneflowers, butterfly weed
Hummingbirds: Cardinal flower, trumpet vine, Turk’s cap

Vegetable Planting Schedule

For a productive vegetable garden in Arkansas:

• Start cool-season crops like spinach, lettuce, kale, and beets in March.

• Transition to warm-season crops such as tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and peppers in April-May
  

By focusing on native plants and pollinator-friendly practices, you can create a thriving garden that supports wildlife while adding beauty to your space. Happy planting!