The Simple Trick to Attract Bees and Butterflies This Summer
Every June, during National Pollinator Week, gardeners everywhere look for ways to support the tiny heroes of our ecosystems—bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. These little creatures play a huge role in keeping our planet healthy and ensuring the food on our tables. But how can someone living in a city apartment with just a small balcony make a difference?
It turns out, you don’t need a sprawling garden to help. Enter pollinator pots—small, cleverly designed containers that provide pollinators with a safe and easy way to hydrate. Unlike traditional flower pots, these aren’t for growing plants but are shaped to offer water to bees and other pollinators who need a drink throughout the day.
Take Kate, a PR manager living in a busy Manhattan apartment. Last summer, inspired by TikTok DIY videos, she started using old ceramic bowls as pollinator pots on her balcony. She arranged a few small containers filled with fresh water in sunny, sheltered spots. Within days, she noticed bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds stopping by for a quick sip. “Seeing these little visitors brighten up my balcony was such a rewarding experience,” Kate shares.
A common misconception is that adding sugar to the water will attract more pollinators. However, experts advise against this. Mary Phillips, head of Native Plant Habitat Impact & Certifications at the National Wildlife Federation, explains that sugar water can lure unwanted pests like wasps, ants, and rodents, which can disrupt the delicate balance of your garden. The best practice? Keep it simple with fresh water, and complement the pots by planting nectar-rich flowers and herbs to naturally attract pollinators.
Innovations in pollinator pot design are also catching on. For example, Bee Cups—handmade miniature ceramic cups—feature special ultraviolet (UV) reactive glazes. Bees see in UV light, so these glazes mimic the visual cues flowers use to attract them, making the cups especially inviting. Beekeepers have praised Bee Cups, noting that their bees eagerly drink and then return to the hive energized and ready to work.
Creating your own pollinator pots is easy and eco-friendly. Look for small, sturdy containers that won’t tip over—recycled ceramics or biodegradable materials work great. Place them in sunny, sheltered spots where you can watch the pollinator activity, then keep them clean and refill with fresh water regularly.
For many, these small pots become a powerful way to contribute to the environment—even in limited spaces. George, a retiree in Los Angeles, shares, “After moving to a small apartment, I started using pollinator pots and planting flowers to create a mini sanctuary for pollinators. Watching hummingbirds stop by brings me a sense of peace and joy.”
As National Pollinator Week reminds us of the critical role pollinators play, simple actions like setting out pollinator pots make a real difference. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these small steps can help nurture life, brighten your space, and support the planet’s health—all without a huge garden or complicated tools.
This summer, why not join the growing community of urban gardeners making their balconies buzz with life? Pollinator pots offer a surprisingly easy and impactful way to create a buzzing, beautiful garden, no matter your space or skill level.