When you think about successful greenhouse gardening, you probably imagine heat, light, and watering schedules. But there’s another vital ingredient: pollinators. In Canadian greenhouses and the USA, pollinators play a crucial role in helping fruiting crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers flourish.
If you're growing food year-round in a greenhouse from British Columbia to Maine, attracting pollinators can significantly increase your yield and plant health. Here's how to welcome these helpful visitors—naturally or manually—into your greenhouse.
Best Greenhouse Pollinators in Canada and the USA
1. Bumblebees
Bumblebees are the #1 choice for enclosed pollination in cold or fluctuating climates. Hardy and reliable, they’re often used in commercial greenhouses throughout Canada and northern U.S. states.
- Ideal for: Tomatoes, peppers, berries
- Used in: Ontario, Quebec, Washington, Colorado
Learn how to grow different pepper varieties in a Greenhouse.
2. Mason Bees
Native to many regions across North America, mason bees are excellent early-season pollinators. They work well in smaller greenhouses and love fruit trees and flowers.
- Best zones: USDA 4–8 / Canadian Zones 5–7
- Popular in: Pacific Northwest, Southern Ontario
3. Hoverflies
These tiny fly-like insects pollinate and control aphids. They’re perfect for greenhouse environments from California to Nova Scotia.
- Attracts well with: Alyssum, dill, marigolds
- Effective in: Mild coastal and temperate climates
Practice eco-friendly gardening methods to keep your greenhouse healthy and pollinator-friendly.
4. Butterflies & Moths
While not as efficient, butterflies and night-flying moths help pollinate wide blossoms and boost biodiversity. They thrive where temperatures remain steady, like inside insulated greenhouses.
- Seen in: Southern U.S., interior British Columbia, Midwest greenhouses
How to Attract Pollinators to Your Greenhouse?
1. Plant Pollinator Magnets
Add plants that bloom at various times, such as lavender, borage, calendula, basil, and nasturtiums, which are great options across different growing zones.
2. Provide Shelter & Water
Install insect hotels for mason bees and shallow dishes with pebbles for pollinators to drink safely. This is essential in drier regions like Alberta, Arizona, and the Prairies.
3. Vent Smart
Utilize greenhouses equipped with dual-door systems, roof vents, and screened openings, such as the Planta Sungrow or Sigma Series, to provide controlled access for pollinators while protecting plants from pests.
4. Manual Pollination When Needed
In winter or in remote areas with limited insect activity, use a soft paintbrush or an electric toothbrush to mimic buzz pollination, especially on tomatoes and peppers.
Why Does This Matter for Year-Round Growers in North America?
Whether you're gardening in snowy Newfoundland, windy Manitoba, or sunny Nevada, pollination inside a greenhouse isn’t guaranteed. That’s why choosing a well-designed, all-season greenhouse like those from Planta Greenhouses is key.
Our structures are built for:
- Heavy snow loads (up to 75 psf)
- Strong wind resistance (up to 65 mph)
-
Proper airflow for insect entry & climate control
Check out what our Planta Greenhouse community reviews on pollinators and how to entice them.
Let Nature Help You Grow!
Pollinators are your partners in productivity. Whether you’re homesteading in Montana or urban gardening in Toronto, your greenhouse can be a welcoming, buzzing ecosystem—all year round!
Grow stronger and smarter with our Planta Greenhouses that support pollinators, built for the US and Canadian weather.