We’ve all seen the current issue with declining bee populations all over the world. Without getting into this problem on a global scale, you do want to remember the bees in your own yard when it comes to planning out your garden.
Primarily, you want them around to help keep everything pollinated. Not all of your plants need bee pollination to make produce for you, but many do (think tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins and squash, beans and just about every kind of fruit). By planting a few species of flowers that are really attractive to bees, you’ll help draw these helpful insects into your yard.
Plant These for the Bees:
• Coneflower
• Lavender
• Bee balm
• Catnip
• Primrose
• Cosmos
• Asters
These flowers are all lovely and have great scents. Having a few patches of these plants will attract bees, and give them a regular source of nectar. This means a very potent reason to keep coming back to your yard. As your vegetable plants mature and need some bees, you’ll be good to go.
There are a few other bee-friendly tricks you can try around your garden to help with your pollination and to lend a hand to worldwide bee populations. For the crafty types, try building a bee house. Yes, it’s a real thing. Solitary bees and mason bees are two species that are great fpollinators, but don’t live in a traditional colony or hive like honey bees do. Bee houses are sort of like bird houses, except filled with small holes for the bees. Check online for plans and ideas.
Keeping a complete honeybee colony is a really big step. If you prefer, get in touch with someone who already keeps bees and ask them to keep one of their hives in your garden.