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Here at Weed Man, we strive to be a friend to pollinators, and we’re so glad that you do too! Around this time of year, you may hear about a trending initiative called “No Mow May.” “No Mow May” is thought to provide food, habitats, and biodiversity for bees and other pollinators by–you guessed it–not mowing your lawn for the month of May. However, the reality is that letting your lawn and weeds grow long may not help the pollinators as much as we might hope. The good news is that there are plenty of other ways we can make our outdoor spaces more habitable to pollinators. The truth is that the turfgrass used in North American lawns does not provide an adequate food source for bees and other pollinators. Bees get their nutrition from pollen and nectar, which turfgrass cannot provide in adequate quantities, no matter how long the grass grows. In fact, bees often avoid grass pollen because of its low nutritional value. Common weeds that pop up in our lawns aren’t the best food sources either. Dandelions, for example, are not native to North America and lack the necessary amino acids that would provide a nutritious food source for native bees. This means that a month of grass and weed growth for the duration of “No Mow May” won’t really help our native pollinators thrive. Instead of participating in "No Mow May," you can make a bigger difference for pollinators by filling your gardens and flower beds with native plants that are known to support pollinators. You’ll want to do some research to find out exactly which varieties are best suited to your region, but here are some nutrient-dense flower varieties that will also liven up your backyard space with pretty colors! Milkweed Sunflowers Foxglove Coneflower Dahlia Marigold And it’s not just flowers. Pollinators like herbs too! Here are some garden plants that are nutritious and delicious for both you and your pollinator friends! Lavender Rosemary Basil Mint Sage Thyme Chives Dill Oregano While participating in “No Mow May” won’t provide a quality food source to pollinators, it will provide cover for unwanted pests, such as rodents, ticks, and mosquitoes, all of which are known to carry harmful diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets. An un-mowed, un-maintained lawn is the perfect shelter, whereas a well maintained lawn is far less hospitable to pests. 
Grass and Weeds Are Not Quality Food Sources for Pollinators
Better Food Sources for Pollinators
Keep Up Your Mowing Routine All Season Long (Including May)
Continue maintaining your lawn in a way that is sustainable and ecologically sound–this can include proper mowing, fertilizing, watering, and pest management practices. This, combined with the planting of native plants, will transform your outdoor space into the perfect oasis for you, your family, and your friends (both humans and pollinators).
