Pollinator garden
Plants for pollinators
Flowers are part of the food garden. They bring bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and beneficial insects close to the plants that need them.
Kitchen Garden
Grow what you actually cook with.
A practical home garden guide for herbs, greens, and small produce that makes everyday meals more nourishing, more beautiful, and more yours.
To Do This Month
May
Longer days, warmer soil, and the beginning of abundance. Plant, tend, and prepare for the season ahead.
Basil, mint, parsley, thyme.
Lettuce, arugula, radishes.
Strawberries, early starts.
The Back to Earth Method
Small, useful, beautiful. The garden should feed the cooking, not become another overwhelming project.
Choose meals first
Pick plants from the recipes you actually make: basil for tomatoes, mint for peas, thyme for chicken, parsley for everything.
Plant near the door
If herbs are hard to reach, they stop being used. Keep the everyday plants close to the kitchen.
Keep the house clear
Leave about two feet of open space around the foundation. Plant herbs and flowers near the house, not against it, and do not store pots, bins, firewood, tools, or clutter against the walls where mice and rats can nest.
Grow in waves
Start greens every two weeks instead of planting everything at once. The kitchen needs a steady handful, not one giant harvest.
Cook from the garden
Every plant should have a job: salad, soup, tea, vinaigrette, garnish, sauce, bread, or dessert.
Flowering Plants
Plant for the pollinators, not just the plate.
A kitchen garden is not only vegetables and herbs. Flowers bring bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other helpful insects into the yard, and those pollinators help tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, strawberries, herbs, and fruit set more reliably.
The best garden has something blooming through the season: early flowers for spring pollinators, midsummer flowers for heavy activity, and late blooms that carry them into fall.
Calendula, zinnias, cosmos
Fast, cheerful flowers that fill gaps between food plants and keep the garden active with pollinators.
Nasturtiums, violas, borage
Useful near the kitchen because the flowers can go on salads, sandwiches, cakes, drinks, and brunch plates.
Chives, basil, oregano, thyme
Let a few herb plants flower. They feed pollinators while the rest of the plant still feeds the kitchen.
Lavender, coneflower, bee balm
Plant these around the home and garden edges so pollinators have a reason to return year after year.
Beneficial Insect & Pest-Control Almanac
What to plant when you want fewer aphids, fewer chewed leaves, stronger pollination, and a garden that protects itself.
The Rule
Do not only fight pests. Feed the insects that fight them.
Aphids, whiteflies, cabbage worms, and other soft-bodied pests are easier to manage when the garden has nectar, pollen, shelter, and companion plants. Small flowers bring hoverflies, lacewings, lady beetles, parasitic wasps, and predatory bugs close to the vegetables before pests explode.
Aphid huntersSweet alyssum, dill, cilantro, parsley, yarrow, calendula, and flowering chives attract hoverflies, lacewings, lady beetles, and tiny wasps.
Repelling scentsChives, garlic chives, basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, mint, lavender, and marigolds confuse or discourage some pests.
Trap cropsNasturtiums can pull aphids away from vegetables. Check them often and prune infested stems before pests spread.
Sweet Alyssum
Beneficial flower · aphid defense
Cool-season annual · spring through fall
Low white flowers that bloom heavily and feed hoverflies, lacewings, tiny parasitic wasps, and other aphid predators.
AttractsHoverflies, lacewings, parasitic wasps, minute pirate bugs, and small native bees.
Helps withAphids, whiteflies, thrips, and early soft-bodied pest pressure.
Plant nearTomatoes, peppers, lettuce, kale, cabbage, herbs, roses, and strawberries.
Grow itFull sun to part sun, well-drained soil, light steady moisture. In hot high-altitude summers, give afternoon shade.
WatchTrim lightly if it gets leggy. It may reseed, but treat it as an annual in cold gardens.
Dill
Flowering herb · predator nursery
Sow spring + late summer
Ferny leaves and yellow umbrella flowers that bring tiny wasps, lady beetles, hoverflies, and swallowtail caterpillars.
AttractsParasitic wasps, hoverflies, lady beetles, lacewings, and pollinators.
Helps withAphids, tomato hornworms, cabbage worms, and caterpillar pressure through beneficial wasps.
Plant nearCucumbers, brassicas, lettuce, onions, and garden edges. Keep mature dill away from carrots.
Grow itDirect sow. It dislikes transplanting. Let a few plants flower.
Use itPick leaves for yogurt sauce, potatoes, eggs, fish, cucumbers, and quick pickles.
Yarrow
Perennial flower · beneficial insect landing pad
Returns yearly · summer bloom
Flat clusters of tiny flowers that give beneficial insects an easy place to feed and hunt.
AttractsLady beetles, lacewings, hoverflies, parasitic wasps, predatory beetles, and native bees.
Helps withAphids, caterpillars, leaf miners, and general pest imbalance.
Plant nearGarden edges, fruit trees, perennial beds, tomatoes, and roses.
Grow itFull sun, lean soil, low water once established. Good for dry high-altitude gardens.
WatchCan spread. Cut flowers after bloom if you want it contained.
Calendula
Edible annual · pollinator and trap flower
Cool-season bloom
Orange and gold flowers that keep the kitchen garden blooming early and late, when insects need food most.
AttractsHoverflies, bees, lacewings, lady beetles, and small predatory insects.
Helps withAphids and general pest pressure by keeping beneficial insects active.
Plant nearTomatoes, peppers, greens, brassicas, herbs, and path edges.
Grow itSow in cool weather. Deadhead for more blooms. Handles containers well.
Use itPetals are edible for salads, compound butter, soups, and garnish.
Nasturtium
Edible flower · trap crop
Plant after frost
Round leaves and bright flowers that can lure aphids away from vegetables while adding edible peppery leaves and blooms.
AttractsBees and hoverflies; can also attract aphids as a trap crop.
Helps withAphids on brassicas, cucumbers, squash, beans, and tomatoes when monitored.
Plant nearCabbage family crops, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, beans, and garden borders.
Grow itDo not overfeed; rich soil makes more leaves and fewer flowers. Trail it over pot edges or bed borders.
WatchIf aphids cluster on it, prune and remove those stems.
French Marigold
Repelling annual · root-zone helper
Plant after frost
Compact orange flowers with a strong scent. Best used as a border around tomatoes, peppers, beans, and greens.
AttractsBees, hoverflies, and small beneficial insects when blooming.
Repels/confusesSome whiteflies and nematodes; scent can make vegetables harder for pests to locate.
Plant nearTomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, cucumbers, and brassicas.
Grow itFull sun, average soil, moderate water. Deadhead for steady bloom.
ChooseFrench marigolds are the classic companion type. Avoid huge types if they shade vegetables.
Borage
Pollinator flower · tomato and strawberry friend
Sow after frost
Blue star flowers beloved by bees. It supports pollination and brings a wild cottage-garden softness to food beds.
AttractsBees, hoverflies, and other pollinators.
Helps withFruit set on strawberries, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and other flowering crops.
Plant nearStrawberries, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and orchard edges.
Grow itFull sun to part sun. It can reseed. Give it room; mature plants get broad.
Use itFlowers are edible and pretty in drinks, salads, and desserts.
Chives & Garlic Chives
Perennial allium · pest-confusing edge
Returns yearly · flowers spring/summer
Onion-scented leaves and edible flowers. Regular chives are mild onion; garlic chives taste flatter, broader, and garlicky.
AttractsBees, hoverflies, and small beneficial insects when flowering.
Repels/confusesAphids, carrot flies, Japanese beetles, and some browsing pests through allium scent.
Plant nearCarrots, tomatoes, peppers, roses, lettuce, strawberries, and herbs.
Grow itFull sun to part sun. Both are perennial and easy. Get both if you cook often; regular chives for eggs and potatoes, garlic chives for stir-fries and dumplings.
WatchDeadhead garlic chives if you do not want seedlings.
Lavender
Perennial herb · repelling fragrance
Summer bloom · drought tolerant
Silvery leaves and purple flowers with a strong scent that helps keep the garden active with pollinators.
AttractsBees, butterflies, hoverflies, and beneficial pollinators.
Repels/confusesMoths, mosquitoes, fleas, and some browsing pests.
Plant nearGarden edges, paths, roses, herbs, and dry sunny borders. Keep away from thirsty vegetables if watering zones differ.
Grow itFull sun, gritty well-drained soil, low water once established. Do not overwater.
PruneCut back after bloom, staying above woody bare stems.
Pest-by-pest planting
AphidsSweet alyssum, dill, cilantro flowers, parsley flowers, yarrow, calendula, chives, nasturtium as trap crop.
WhitefliesMarigolds, basil, nasturtium, sweet alyssum, and flowering herbs to bring parasitic wasps and hoverflies.
Cabbage wormsDill, cilantro, parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, marigolds, nasturtiums, and flowering edges for parasitic wasps.
Tomato hornwormsDill, parsley, yarrow, sweet alyssum, and other tiny flowers that support braconid wasps.
Squash bugsNasturtium, marigold, dill, calendula, and borage around squash, plus daily egg checks under leaves.
Flea beetlesRadish as a trap crop, catnip or mint nearby in pots, marigolds, and alyssum to build predator traffic.
Companion planting map
TomatoesBasil, chives, marigold, sweet alyssum, calendula, borage. Avoid crowding with thirsty flowers against the stem.
PeppersBasil, chives, marigold, alyssum, oregano, thyme, calendula. Keep flowers at bed edges for airflow.
CucumbersDill, nasturtium, borage, calendula, alyssum, radishes. Trellis cucumbers so flowers do not shade them.
BrassicasDill, thyme, sage, rosemary, nasturtium, calendula, alyssum. Use herbs and flowers to invite wasps and confuse moths.
StrawberriesBorage, chives, thyme, alyssum, calendula. Keep mulch under berries and flowers at the edges.
RosesChives, garlic chives, lavender, yarrow, alyssum, calendula. This is a strong aphid-defense planting.
Kitchen Garden Almanac
The plants worth knowing first: what they look like, how they taste, how to use them, and how to grow them without making the garden complicated.
Herb Season
When the kitchen herbs wake up.
Perennial herbs return first, tender herbs wait for warm nights, and cilantro gets two cool-season windows.
Mar-AprMint, chives, parsley, cilantro
Apr-MayThyme, oregano, sage, first harvests
May-JunBasil and rosemary move outside
Jul-OctHarvest, dry, preserve, re-sow cilantro
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Strawberries
Fruit · sweet spring harvest
Low ground-hugging plants with white flowers, runners, and red berries tucked under bright green leaves. They do not climb and do not need a trellis.
Use itVinaigrettes, salads, shortcakes, oatmeal, yogurt bowls, jam, and snacks straight from the bowl.
Grow itFull sun, rich soil, and steady water. Plant in the ground, raised beds, hanging baskets, or wide pots. Space plants about 12-18 inches apart so runners can spread.
SupportNo trellis. Let runners trail across the soil or over the edge of a pot. After flowers form, tuck 1-2 inches of clean straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves under the plants to lift berries off damp soil.
Keep cleanWater at soil level in the morning so leaves and berries dry quickly. Keep mulch under the fruit, not piled against the crown, so the plant does not stay too moist.
Harvest cuePick when red all the way to the stem. They do not sweeten much after picking.
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Snap Peas
Pod · crisp green sweetness
Climbing vines with curling tendrils, white blossoms, and plump edible pods. Crisp, sweet, and better young.
Use itLunch boxes, stir-fries, salads, ricotta toast, noodle bowls, and quick side dishes.
Grow itGive them a trellis and cool spring weather. Plant early and keep picking.
Harvest cuePick when pods are plump but still glossy and tender.
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Arugula
Green · peppery leaf
Small lobed leaves with a peppery bite. It grows fast and turns spicy when the weather gets hot.
Use itSalads, pizza finish, sandwiches, grain bowls, eggs, pesto, and anything that needs bite.
Grow itSow small batches every two weeks. Give afternoon shade as the season warms.
Harvest cueCut leaves young, before flowering, for the best texture.
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Basil
Herb · sweet summer leaf
Plant May-June · Harvest June-September
Glossy tender leaves on soft green stems. Sweet, aromatic, and bruises easily, so use it fresh.
SeasonPlant after nights are warm, usually May-June. Harvest June-September until frost.
Use itTomatoes, pesto, pasta, pizza, vinaigrettes, sandwiches, lemonade, and summer soups.
Grow itWarmth, sun, and consistent water. Pinch the top often so it branches.
Harvest cueHarvest leaves before flowers form. Pinch flowers off to keep leaves sweet.
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Mint
Herb · cool bright leaf
Emerges March-April · Harvest April-October
Soft serrated leaves with a cooling scent. It spreads aggressively, so it belongs in its own pot.
SeasonNew growth usually appears March-April. Harvest April-October, longer indoors or in mild climates.
Use itPea soup, tea, fruit salads, yogurt sauces, lemonade, grain bowls, and spring desserts.
Grow itPart sun is fine. Keep it contained unless you want it everywhere.
Harvest cueCut stems regularly. New growth is the most tender and fragrant.
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Parsley
Herb · clean green backbone
Plant March-May · Harvest April-November
Flat or curly leaves on sturdy stems. It tastes clean, grassy, and fresh, and makes heavy food feel lighter.
SeasonPlant March-May, with a late-summer sowing for fall. Harvest April-November where winters are not severe.
Use itSoups, potatoes, eggs, salads, sauces, roasted vegetables, beans, and finishing plates.
Grow itUse a deep pot and keep evenly watered. It handles cooler weather well.
Harvest cueCut outer stems at the base so the center keeps growing.
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Thyme
Herb · woody savory sprig
Returns April-May · Harvest May-October
Tiny leaves on woody stems with a savory, earthy scent. Stronger than it looks and excellent cooked.
SeasonEstablished plants green up April-May. Harvest May-October, lightly through winter where evergreen.
Use itRoasted carrots, chicken, potatoes, beans, soups, bread, compound butter, and mushrooms.
Grow itFull sun, excellent drainage, and less water than tender herbs.
Harvest cueSnip small sprigs before flowering. Strip leaves from the stem for cooking.
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Tomatoes
Fruit · warm-weather kitchen staple
Sun-loving vines with yellow flowers and juicy fruit that ripens from green to red, orange, yellow, or purple.
Use itSalads, sauces, soups, sandwiches, roasted sheet pans, salsa, bruschetta, and tomato toast.
Grow itPlant after nights are warm. Give full sun, rich soil, deep watering, and a cage, stake, or trellis before the plant gets heavy.
Harvest cuePick when fully colored and slightly soft at the shoulder. Let nearly ripe tomatoes finish on the counter, not in the fridge.
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Cucumbers
Vine · cool crisp slicer
Fast-growing vines with rough leaves, curling tendrils, yellow flowers, and crisp green fruit.
Use itSalads, quick pickles, cucumber water, yogurt sauces, sandwiches, spring rolls, and cold noodle bowls.
Grow itGive warm soil, steady water, and a trellis if space is tight. Trellising keeps fruit straighter and cleaner.
Harvest cuePick small to medium while skins are glossy. Oversized cucumbers turn seedy and bitter.
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Zucchini
Summer squash · generous producer
Large leafy plants with golden blossoms and tender green squash that seems to appear overnight.
Use itGrilled, roasted, sauteed, fritters, quick bread, pasta ribbons, soups, and sheet-pan dinners.
Grow itGive full sun, warm soil, and room. One or two plants are plenty for most kitchens.
Harvest cuePick at 6-8 inches for best texture. Check daily once plants start producing.
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Radishes
Root · fast peppery crunch
Quick spring roots with crisp bulbs and edible leafy tops. They are one of the fastest garden wins.
Use itButter toast, tacos, salads, pickles, grain bowls, roasted roots, and sauteed radish greens.
Grow itSow directly in cool weather. Keep soil evenly moist so roots stay crisp instead of woody.
Harvest cuePull when shoulders are visible and roots are about marble to golf-ball size.
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Carrots
Root · sweet earthy staple
Feathery green tops hide sweet roots below the soil. Loose soil makes the difference.
Use itRoasted vegetables, soups, salads, lunch boxes, slaws, carrot cake, broth, and snacks.
Grow itSow directly into loose, stone-free soil. Thin seedlings so each carrot has room to size up.
Harvest cuePull when the shoulder has good color and size. Smaller carrots are sweeter and more tender.
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Lettuce
Green · tender salad base
Tender leaves that can be buttery, crisp, ruffled, or loose. It prefers cool weather and steady moisture.
Use itSalads, sandwiches, lettuce cups, burgers, wraps, and simple side plates with vinaigrette.
Grow itSow small batches often. Give morning sun and afternoon shade when weather warms.
Harvest cueCut outer leaves for a steady harvest, or cut the whole head when full but still tender.
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Rosemary
Herb · piney woody sprig
Move outside May-June · Harvest May-October
Needle-like leaves on woody stems with a strong piney scent. A little goes a long way.
SeasonMove pots outside after frost, usually May-June. Harvest May-October outdoors, or year-round indoors.
Use itPotatoes, chicken, focaccia, beans, roasted carrots, compound butter, steak, and citrus drinks.
Grow itFull sun, excellent drainage, and a pot that does not stay wet. Let the soil dry between waterings.
Harvest cueSnip tender tips. Avoid cutting deep into old bare wood unless the plant is actively growing.
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Sage
Herb · soft savory leaf
Plant April-June · Harvest May-October
Soft gray-green leaves with a deep savory aroma. It loves rich fall dishes but belongs in the garden all season.
SeasonPlant April-June once soil is workable. Harvest May-October, with best flavor before flowering.
Use itBrown butter, squash, beans, potatoes, poultry, stuffing, pasta, and savory breads.
Grow itFull sun and well-drained soil. Do not overwater; sage likes to dry slightly between drinks.
Harvest cuePick individual leaves or small stems before flowering for the best flavor.
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Cilantro
Herb · bright citrus leaf
Sow March-May + August-September
Delicate leaves with a fresh citrusy bite. It grows quickly and bolts when the weather turns hot.
SeasonSow March-May for spring and August-September for fall. Harvest April-June and September-October.
Use itTacos, salsa, curries, rice bowls, soups, chutneys, beans, and lime-heavy dressings.
Grow itSow directly in cool weather and replant often. Give afternoon shade as temperatures climb.
Harvest cueCut outer stems while leaves are lush. Let some flower if you want coriander seeds.
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Chives
Herb · mild onion snip
Emerges March-April · Flowers May-June
Slender hollow leaves with purple pom-pom flowers. They bring gentle onion flavor without taking over.
SeasonNew shoots usually emerge March-April. Harvest April-October. Flowers come May-June.
Use itEggs, potatoes, soups, biscuits, cream cheese, salads, compound butter, and savory pancakes.
Grow itFull sun to part sun. Chives are perennial in many gardens and easy in pots.
Harvest cueSnip leaves near the base. Flowers are edible and pretty over salads.
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Oregano
Herb · bold Mediterranean leaf
Returns April-May · Harvest May-October
Small fragrant leaves on branching stems. It is stronger dried, but fresh oregano gives sauces a green savory edge.
SeasonEstablished plants return April-May. Harvest May-October, cutting before the main bloom for best flavor.
Use itTomato sauce, pizza, roasted vegetables, Greek salads, marinades, beans, chicken, and vinaigrettes.
Grow itFull sun and lean, well-drained soil. Too much water makes it weak and less flavorful.
Harvest cueCut stems before flowering. Hang small bundles to dry for pantry oregano.