If you want your garden to be more bee friendly there are several ways you can do so. For one thing you can plant dandelion and lawn clovers. Both of these plants will attract pollinators and they also produce pollen and nectar. Another way is to install an insect hotel where solitary bees can stay. There are a variety of pesticides on the market that can kill bees but there are many natural ways to keep them under control.
Dwarf weeds like dandelions and lawn clovers have numerous beneficial properties for bees. They thrive in dappled shade and bloom in April. Some people like to plant flowers in lawns including clover self-heal and creeping charlie. Some people also replace their lawns with wildflower mixes which attract bees.
Plants that attract pollinators include annuals perennials and herbs. Plants such as catnip anise bee balm and rosemary attract bees. Additionally you can grow some of these plants in pots or containers. You will be happy to see the results! This way you can ensure that your bee friendly garden will provide food year-round.
In addition to flowers bees also need nectar and pollen to survive. Bees can gather these nutrients from weeds. This is why many gardeners remove weeds but dandelions clover and creeping charlie are among the weeds that attract bees. You can also plant them in sloping areas such as between patios or stepping stones.
The main reason why bees like dandelions is because they are abundant in lawns and grassy areas. Although they don't provide the highest-quality pollen dandelion flowers are beneficial for bees because they also produce nectar. Some birds also feed on dandelion flowers. In addition to honey bees dandelion flowers are also eaten by several birds such as hummingbirds and a variety of butterflies. Comma butterflies sulphur butterflies and admiral butterflies all like to feast on dandelion flowers.
In addition to dandelions and lawn clovers you can also plant pollinator pocket gardens. These are particularly good for lawns that are used for recreational purposes. Dandelions and lawn clovers attract pollinators and they also are low-maintenance plants. They also offer forage for the pollinators. It's no surprise that they are among the most attractive plants in a bee-friendly garden.
If you're interested in creating a bee-friendly garden you need to know what plants provide pollen and nectar. European honey bees are social nesters but most native bee species are solitary. They nest in hollow stems or small holes in the ground sometimes taking shelter there over the winter. Plants that provide nesting habitat for bees are bee balm daffodils elderberries goldenrod and ornamental grass.
For late-season pollen and nectar try planting asters. These cheerful flowers are great additions to your fall garden. Make sure you choose species that will thrive in your zone and have the best nectar and pollen production. Be sure to avoid plants with toxic properties and choose those that tolerate a variety of soil and sun conditions. Some plants are prohibited in your area including viper's bugloss which is also known as blueweed.
Native bees are not specialized for deep-rooted plants so they can feed on flowers with shallow nectaries. Consider planting native species of bee-friendly plants like black-eyed susan goldenrod oregano and angelica. You can also try plants that provide nectar for hummingbird moths and bees such as joe-pye weed.
Bees are beneficial insects and need food to flourish. When you choose plants with healthy pollen and nectar bees will love your garden. Bees are particularly important for edible crops such as corn and beans. Their presence means a bigger harvest every season with healthier blooms. The next time you plant a garden don't neglect to think of the bees!
The benefits of a bee friendly garden go beyond providing bees with a hummingbird-friendly environment. Not only do they help spread the genetics of plants they also provide the necessary shelter. A lawn without flowering plants cannot offer shelter or food for these important insects. Therefore you should plant flowering plants with lots of nectar and pollen-producing flowers.
Lavender is another great plant for bees. Its flowers attract many kinds of bees including bumblebees and small native bees. Moreover it's easy to grow and produces a lot of nectar. Various types of perennial flowers are also beneficial to bees. In addition to lavender lilies hyacinths and beetles also love these flowers.
Insect hotels can be created with a variety of materials including drilled wood blocks and bamboo canes. The filling materials can include hollow stems bamboo pithy grasses pine cones or even dead branches. Other options for building a bee hotel include plastic pipe bamboo and broken pottery. It is important to use non-toxic materials such as non-flammable paints or glues and wooden blocks and crates.
The best time to install an insect hotel is during early spring before the temperatures reach 55 degF. Be sure to install your insect hotel facing southeast or east to attract solitary bees. To attract them place it at a height of three to five feet. If possible clear the area around the insect hotel of any plant life that could block their entrances. It is also best to install it stationary so that it does not move when it is windy.
The best places to install your insect hotel are sheltered and warm so it is vital to choose a location that is free from harsh weather conditions. Make sure you choose a sunny sheltered area and avoid placing it directly in the wind. Insects prefer a slightly damp environment and solitary bees require the sunniest aspect of the garden. Keeping the hotel close to an existing insect hotspot will help it fill up faster.
If you've chosen a location for your insect hotel it's important to remember that insects prefer sheltered areas. Place the hotel in a damp location. They also need low humidity and direct sunlight. Make sure to clean the insect hotel periodically to keep it clean and free from parasites. Be sure to include beneficial plants in your garden to promote biodiversity and pollination.
You can make your own insect hotel as a weekend project. It's not difficult to build and you can fill it with insects and monitor their activity. If you're looking for a bug hotel to build in your garden you can follow these steps:
Beekeepers should use caution when applying pesticides on their properties. Bees travel to blooms in fields orchards and home gardens. Insecticide residues can be deposited in their water sources. Fortunately there are several ways to minimize the risk of contact injuries and fatalities to bees. Listed below are the steps you should take when using pesticides on your property.
A combination of two pesticides is not the best way to kill bees. The chemicals used to control bees are called systemic pesticides. They move throughout the plant affecting its leaves flowers and pollen. This chemical cocktail can affect the bees' reproduction and make them vulnerable to other stressors. Researchers have not yet determined exactly how much each chemical will affect the bees.
Several factors may be contributing to colony collapse disorder. The EPA approved the pesticide dicamba in 2016 despite warnings from environmental groups. The EPA recently extended its approval of dicamba until 2020 and the agency did not comment on the extent of the damage to the bee colonies. Using pesticides on bee colonies will likely cause more problems in the future so it is vital that beekeepers take steps to reduce the risks of the pesticide.
When applying a pesticide be sure to avoid areas where flowers are blooming. Bees feed on flowering weeds so you don't want them to eat them. You can control the weeds by using a bee-friendly product after the petals have dropped. Also it is best to notify local beekeepers ahead of time. The pesticides that you use must have a low-hazard and minimal side effect on bees.
When using pesticides to control bees be sure to follow label directions and consider the weather. Insecticide residues are toxic to bees the next day so don't apply the pesticide on a hot summer day. If the temperatures rise be sure to cover the beehive or place it in an area where the bees are not. This will protect the bees from the pesticide spray.