Total Plants Needed
100
Plug Cost
$711
Bloom Score
100%
Total area dedicated to pollinator plantings
Low: 0.5 (sparse), Medium: 1.0 (standard), High: 2.0 (dense meadow)
Determines native plant recommendations and bloom calendar
Total Plants Needed
100
for 100 sq ft garden
Perennials
65
65% of mix
Grasses
12
12% of mix
Annuals
13
13% of mix
Shrubs
10
10% of mix
Plugs: $711 — best value, establish in 1–2 seasons
Gallon: $1,264 — instant impact, blooms year one
100%
3/3 seasons with continuous blooms
100%
4/4 color groups represented
Includes removing turf, amending soil, and initial mulching
Inputs
Result
A 100 sq ft garden at standard density needs about 100 plants across 10-15 species, with 3+ species blooming each season for continuous pollinator food.
Inputs
Result
A 300 sq ft garden with high density supports a diverse pollinator community. The Midwest native plant palette offers excellent species for all three bloom seasons.
Even a 25 sq ft patch can attract pollinators, but 100+ sq ft provides meaningful habitat. For maximum impact, aim for at least 200 sq ft with 10+ species blooming across three seasons. Native bees forage within 500 ft of their nests.
| Garden Size | Species Count | Plant Count | Pollinators Supported |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 sq ft | 5–8 | 25–40 | Casual visitors |
| 100 sq ft | 10–15 | 100–150 | Resident populations |
| 300 sq ft | 15–25 | 300–450 | Diverse community |
Native wildflowers consistently attract the most diverse pollinators. Top performers include coneflower (Echinacea), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), bee balm (Monarda), and milkweed (Asclepias). Plant a mix of flower shapes to support different pollinator species.
| Plant | Bloom Season | Key Pollinators | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coneflower | Summer–Fall | Bees, butterflies | 2–4 ft |
| Milkweed | Summer | Monarchs, bees | 3–5 ft |
| Bee Balm | Summer | Hummingbirds, bees | 2–4 ft |
| Black-eyed Susan | Summer–Fall | Bees, butterflies | 2–3 ft |
A pollinator garden costs $3-$8 per square foot for plants plus $1-$3/sqft for soil prep. Native plant plugs cost $3-$6 each, while seeds are much cheaper at $5-$15 per packet covering 50-200 sq ft. Budget $500-$1,500 for a 200 sq ft garden.
| Garden Size | Plants Only | With Soil Prep | Seed-Only Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | $150–$400 | $200–$550 | $30–$75 |
| 100 sq ft | $300–$800 | $400–$1,100 | $50–$120 |
| 200 sq ft | $600–$1,600 | $800–$2,200 | $80–$200 |
Pollinator gardens need less maintenance than traditional gardens once established. Year 1 requires weeding and watering. By year 2-3, dense plant growth suppresses weeds. Leave dead stems through winter for native bee nesting habitat.
| Task | Year 1 | Year 2+ | Traditional Garden |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watering | Weekly | Drought only | Daily–weekly |
| Weeding | Monthly | 2–3x/year | Weekly |
| Fertilizing | None | None | Monthly |
| Pest control | None | None | As needed |
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.