Choose native plants that are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife and are generally low-maintenance.
Create a variety of plants with different shapes, sizes, and flowering times. This diversity attracts a wider range of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and insects.
Include wildlife-attracting plants. Flowers that attract butterflies and bees, and shrubs that produce berries for birds. Monarch butterflies need milkweed.
Bird baths, ponds, and tiny water features supply wildlife with water. Provide shallow regions for small animals and rocks for birds.
Pesticides and herbicides kill targeted and beneficial insects, so use them sparingly. Choose natural pest management and companion planting.
Let portions of your garden go wild. Wildlife uses these sites for shelter and hiding. Leaf and log debris can benefit insects and tiny animals.
Use bird boxes, bat boxes, or insect hotels in your yard for nesting and resting. Shelter diversity is important because species have diverse preferences.
Create a compost mound to recycle food and garden waste. This helps the environment and attracts decomposers, which are vital to the ecology.
Avoid overcleaning your garden. Leave plant waste and let grass grow taller to give habitat and food for insects and other small critters.