- link Copy Url - [ Share on twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=4 Tips for Growing a Beautiful Garden and Protecting Pollinators https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/209096?absolute=1&via=3blnews "link to 3 B L Media's Twitter") - [ Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/209096?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Linkedin") - [ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/209096?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Facebook") - [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=4 Tips for Growing a Beautiful Garden and Protecting Pollinators&body=ESG News from ScottsMiracle-Gro https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/209096?absolute=1 "Share via email") [Environment](/CSR-News/environment-0) # 4 Tips for Growing a Beautiful Garden and Protecting Pollinators ##### by Tim Martin, Vice President and General Manager, Ortho Aug 6, 2018 1:30 PM ET Campaign: [Scotts Miracle-Gro | Environment Improvement](/news/campaign/scotts-miracle-gro-environment-improvement) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/_4IMG_5586_0.jpg) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/father_son.jpg) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/butterfly_pollinator_closeup.jpg) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/pollinator_bee_closeup_0.jpg) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumbnail_x2/public/images/_4IMG_5586_0.jpg?h=1c9b88c9) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumbnail_x2/public/images/father_son.jpg?h=1c9b88c9) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumbnail_x2/public/images/butterfly_pollinator_closeup.jpg?h=1c9b88c9) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumbnail_x2/public/images/pollinator_bee_closeup_0.jpg?h=1c9b88c9) More and more, gardeners want to know how they can protect their roses, tomatoes and other plants from harmful insects while also watching out for bees and other beneficial pollinators. I get questions like these all the time: “I enjoy growing roses, but I don’t want to hurt bees.” “I love showing off my garden to my neighbors, friends and family. How can I do what I love without harming the environment?” Following are four easy-to-follow tips developed with the [Pollinator Stewardship Council](http://pollinatorstewardship.org/) that you can use in your garden: 1. **Always use products as directed**. You can remove the guesswork by taking a few minutes to read the instructions before using any pest control product for the first time. Many companies, including ScottsMiracle-Gro, also provide [detailed safety data sheets](http://www.scottsmsds.com/) online for all their products. 2. **Focus spray on leaves and stems to avoid flowers**. A product designed to control insect pests may also harm pollinators if they come into contact with it. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to the nectar found in a plant’s blooms, and there is no easy way to keep them away from flowers. To stay on the safe side, avoid applying pest control products on or around blooms. 3. **Spray product when air is calm to avoid drift**. To avoid the product drifting into unintended areas, take note of the wind before using any pest control product. If it’s more than 10 mph, wait for a calmer time. 4. **Apply at dusk and dawn when bees are less active**. Bees in particular are less active in the early evening hours, particularly when the temperature dips below 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. And at any time of day, if you notice pollinators foraging where you are using pest controls in your garden, stop and wait for a better time. By following these tips, you can watch out for honey bees, butterflies and other pollinators in your backyard and garden--and still protect your roses and tomatoes from damaging insects. Next spring, shoppers in retail locations throughout the United States will find these educational tips prominently displayed alongside OrthoⓇ neonic-alternative garden control products. You can find more information about protecting pollinators, and our company’s decision to remove neonicotinoids from our outdoor garden control products, on the OrthoⓇ [website](https://www.ortho.com/en-us/pollinators). 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