Day 1: Planting a 4x4 Pollinator Patch
I planted a 4x4 pollinator patch today. Wildflowers, zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, marigolds. Here’s the plan.
What I Planted
- Wildflower mix (broadcast)
- Zinnias (1/4 inch, 9 inches apart)
- Cosmos (1/4 inch, 12 inches apart)
- Sunflowers (1 inch, 12 inches apart)
- Marigolds (1/4 inch, 8 inches apart)
Why This Layout
Different bloom times = continuous food for pollinators.
- Marigolds: first to bloom
- Zinnias: mid-summer
- Cosmos: late summer
- Sunflowers: mid-summer
What I’m Watching For
- Bee visits (starting day 60)
- Butterfly visits
- Bloom succession
What I Did Right
Chose poor soil (pollinators like it). No fertilizer. Left some bare soil for ground-nesting bees.
— Day 1 of 70