How to Design Pollinator-Friendly Landscapes
Pollinator populations depend heavily on the availability of flowering plants and suitable habitat across the landscape. However, habitat loss, simplified landscapes, and reduced plant diversity have made it harder for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects to find the resources they need throughout the growing season. Designing effective pollinator landscapes can help restore those resources […]
Native vs. Non-Native Seeds Explained
The difference between native and non-native seeds can shape everything from how well your planting establishes to how much value it provides to pollinators and the surrounding ecosystem. Yet for many landowners, the distinction is not always clear, and the wrong choice can lead to poor performance. In this guide, you will learn: Let’s start […]
From Our Friends at Pollinator Partnership: Debunking Common Misconceptions About Native Seeds (Ecology & Pollinator Myths)
Ernst Conservation Seeds is proud to partner with Pollinator Partnership on a two-part series addressing misconceptions about native seeds from complementary perspectives. In this guest post, we are turning the mic over to Pollinator Partnership, a leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting the health of pollinators that are critical to our food systems and ecosystems through […]
New Ernst Seed Catalog Now Available: What’s Inside and How to Access It
The new 2026-2027 Ernst Seed catalog is now available. Whether you’re planning a restoration project, designing a pollinator meadow, or looking for native cover crops, this catalog is your go-to resource for species selection and expert guidance. Inside, you’ll find: Here’s how to get your copy, and what to expect when you open it. Where […]
6 Important Food Sources for Native Birds During Cold Winter Months
Winter presents serious challenges for native birds. As temperatures drop and snow covers the landscape, many of their natural food sources, like seeds, fruits, and insects, become scarce or inaccessible. For species that don’t migrate, the cold season can lead to energy deficits, weight loss, and higher mortality rates. If you’re interested in helping, this […]
How to Work with Your Land’s Natural Features for Better Water Management
Water is one of your land’s most powerful resources. Managed well, it nourishes soils, supports native plants, and sustains pollinators. Managed poorly, it strips away topsoil, floods low areas, and washes nutrients downstream where they damage waterways. Understanding how water moves across your property, and how to guide that movement, is essential for healthier landscapes […]
Biodiversity at a Crossroads: How Homegrown National Park and Ernst Are Planting the Seeds of Change
Biodiversity, the backbone of healthy ecosystems, is in crisis. From vanishing pollinators to collapsing food webs, the decline is accelerating at a pace that threatens both wildlife and human life. But there’s hope in a growing movement that empowers anyone to be part of the solution. In this blog, we’ll explore: It’s time to see […]
8 Flowers that Attract Beneficial Insects
If you want a garden, farm, or native meadow that thrives without constant chemical input, start by attracting the right insects. Pollinators like bees and butterflies are essential for seed and crop production, while natural pest predators such as parasitic wasps and hoverflies keep destructive bugs in check. The best way to bring these “good […]
Perennials that Support Pollinators Through the Seasons
When it comes to supporting pollinators, the challenge is consistency. Many gardens and restoration sites overlook critical windows, particularly early spring and late fall, when food scarcity can disrupt breeding, migration, or overwintering success. Perennial pollinators are native plants that provide nectar and pollen year after year. These long-lived wildflowers offer reliable food sources for […]
How to Attract Pollinators with Your Landscaping
A garden full of beautiful wildflowers is a critical source of nutrition for pollinators, but it isn’t the only thing they need to thrive. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects also require nesting sites, shelter, and safe, pesticide-free spaces to feed and reproduce. If you’re serious about attracting pollinators, you’ll need a landscape designed […]