Many fruit and vegetables need to be pollinated by insects for fruits to form. Strawberries, apples, raspberries as well as broad beans, peas and courgettes are just a few of the edible plants that rely on visiting insects to take pollen from flower to flower – a process known as pollination. This then leads to fertilisation and fruit formation. If there are not enough insects around to do this work then fruit may not form.

Commercially fruit farmers import bumble bees to ensure their crops are pollinated. We as gardeners can encourage bees and other insects by growing flowers in the garden that are attractive to them. Planting a range of native and non-native plants that flower throughout the year helps early pollinators like solitary bees. This will then ensure you have good pollination for your fruit and vegetable crops and so a bountiful harvest.

We have conducted research into many plants found in the garden, including wildflowers and plants from around the world. We have a trademarked logo that can be found on plants that are good for pollinators in garden centres, nurseries and DIY shops across the UK.

Here is a short list of the easiest annuals to grow; they are ‘hardy’ annuals so they can be sown either directly outside in well prepared soil in spring, summer or autumn. They can also be started in pots. They shouldn't require frost protection or heat to grow.

• Cosmos bipinnatus - sow in spring
• Borago officinalis (Borage) - sow in spring and summer
• Calendula officinalis (English Marigold) - sow in autumn or spring
• Phacelia tanacetifolia - sow in late spring and summer
• Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower) - sow in autumn or spring
• Eschscholzia californica (Californian poppy) - sow in spring
• Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) - sow in late spring
• Lavatera trimestris (Annual Mallow) - sow in late spring
• Limnanthes douglasii (Poached Egg Plant) - sow in autumn or spring
• Nigella damascena (Love in a Mist) - sow in autumn or spring