Bee Friendly Gardening Tips
Do you want to help bees? Many of us practice bee friendly gardening for the pure joy of watching the pollinators that choose to visit. Others design gardens for food or beauty and the visits of insects are a sweet bonus. There are many ways you can help provide food for bees.
What is a bee friendly garden? It is a space that is designed for your enjoyment.
Yet, is still welcoming and non-harmful to bees and other pollinators. In fact, it may even help save bees and other pollinators.
If you plant flowers, the bees will come. How many bees you have visit will depend on your local conditions. Some areas have more pollinator insects than others.
Having a large variety of insects, butterflies and birds enjoy your garden is a good thing. In most cases, these visitors will not disturb your enjoyment of the area.
Of course, create wide pathways that will allow you to walk through the area without threatening the working bees.
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What Your Bee Friendly Garden Gives Bees
When bees visit your garden, they are looking for resources needed by the colony. This applies to honey bees that live in a large family but also solitary bees.
Nectar, pollen and water are the 3 big things that bees are seeking. Each one is important to the hive, colony or nest.
Bees collect nectar from blooming plants. Why? Honey bees make honey from plant nectar. Not every flower produces nectar but many do.
In addition to nectar, many types of bees collect pollen . Pollen is a protein source that is important in rearing young.
Our pollinators also require water. A dependable water source can add beauty to your backyard and water for thirsty bees.
It is important to be considerate of all visitors to the garden. With proper planning you can create a true bee oasis or refuge.
Bee Garden Design Tips
A bee garden may be a collection of flower pots sitting on a back porch. Likewise, a wildflower meadow covering acres of land is also a bee garden.
No matter the size of your garden, you can make a difference in the lives of area pollinators.
A good design regardless of size or shape, will meet the needs of garden visitors providing – food, shelter and water.
Providing a garden to help bees does not have to be a large undertaking. Bee gardens can be quick and simple. – 5 Easy Ways to Create a Bee Friendly Garden
When planning any garden area, you may not always have the perfect location. That’s okay, use problem areas to develop mini bee gardens – Make a Rain Garden – Bee Habitat
Bee Friendly Weed Control
What is a weed? For the gardener, that really depends on your point of view. Keep in mind that many “weeds” feed bees – perhaps you can leave some natural areas.
However, if you must do something for weed control, consider all of the alternatives. – Weed Killer Safe for Bees
Use care and great thought when choosing any type of pesticides or weed killers. It is easy to make your own weed killer too. – Vinegar Weed Killer .
Water Sources in the Bee Garden
Honey bees are very good at finding sources of water. However, providing a clean water source for bees is easy to do.
Even a very small garden has room for a bee water station. You can make your own with just a few materials. – How to Build a Bee Waterer.
Another great idea for a water source is a fun garden craft using a terra cotta pot and saucer. These make great gifts too. – How to Make a Bee Water Station for Your Garden
Are you a beekeeper – or you have a lot of bees in your area? You need a larger water source.
Large fountains or small water gardens are one way to provide water for bees and other pollinators. It should be large enough to not need filling every day. – Water for Bees in Your Backyard
Water gardens are a beautiful addition. They can provide water and maybe some bee food too! Consider experimenting with some water plants. Lotus Tubers for Your Bee Garden.
If you love having hummingbird feeders in your yard, use these tips to avoid problems with bees – 5 Easy Ways to Keep Bees Away from Hummingbird Feeders.
Flowers for Bees
While it may seem that any flower is beneficial to bees, that is not true. Some plants provide nectar or pollen or maybe both.
But some blooms provide little or no bee food at all! Learn how to identify which flowers are most attractive to bees. If you are planting for bees, give some thought to choosing the most suitable plants for your goal.
Beyond choosing flowers that attract bees, you can also consider bloom time. Ideally, we want to have something good blooming all season long. Choose a variety of different flowers for bees that bloom through a long season.
When you are choosing plants for the yard, don’t forget larger items. Flowering shrubs can provide habitat for many insects and food for bee too!
It is also important to consider that they may be times when you wish to have plants that repel bees. Or at least are less attractive to bee visitors.
This can be because of someone in the family being allergic to bees stings. Having plants near human walkways that are a bit less attractive to our winged friends is a good idea for some gardeners.
Bee Gardening With Useful Plants
Your bee friendly garden can provide useful items to you too. Use plants that benefit bees and have a useful purpose around the homestead – 7 Flowering Herbs for Bees.
If you are interested in something unusual that brings extra excitement to the garden. Grow Sponges – What Fun!- Planting for Bees: The Luffa Experience.
Bee Garden Activities
When creating bee friendly gardening plans, you don’t have to be stuck in one spot. You can spread the plant love around and help diversity bee food sources near and far. One way is learning: How to Make Seed Balls.
Another method of doing some bee friendly gorilla gardening is by making seed bombs with air dry clay. These make great gardening gifts and are so simple the kids can help. How to Make Seed Bombs with Clay
Conclusion:
Bee friendly gardening involves many aspects. From choosing plants that will provide food and shelter to avoiding the use of harsh pesticides.
Every flower counts – you can make a difference!
Beekeeper Charlotte
