Annual Wildflower and Herb Mix for Pollinators

Published Apr 12, 2018

In a Nutshell

Four diversified vegetable farms planted strips of an annual flower mix. Farms assessed flower establishment and attractiveness to insects.

Key Findings

Buckwheat dominated the mix, providing early blooms but perhaps to the detriment of other flowering species. After buckwheat bloomed, there was a gap before the cosmos began to bloom. Basil, dill and cilantro did not fare well in the mix; farmers would prefer to transplant or plant these species in monoculture blocks.