How To Plant A Bee Friendly Garden

How To Plant A Bee Friendly Garden



It is estimated that over one-third of the bee population has disappeared from the earth in the past decade. This startling decline has the potential to severely affect the human race and the cause of this mass extinction can sadly be traced back to our own activity.

Pollution, the use of harmful agricultural chemicals, and the destruction of natural habitats and food sources are the two most prominent causes of this loss. The fact that our planet is warming at an alarming rate is also a concern for the survival of bees.

beautiful garden How To Plant A Bee Friendly Garden

According to professional realtors like scotthaveson.com, one of the hottest new trends that buyers are looking for is a yard with an established garden on the property. You can reap the benefits of your own garden while you live there and get a great return on your investment when you sell your home.

When you are planning your outdoor landscaping, give some thought to what flowers and vegetables can be beneficial to bees. Try some of these planting tips to help draw bees to your garden.

Fresh Water Source

For bees to thrive in your garden they need to have a source of fresh water. A birdbath with fresh water, a waterfall outdoor feature, or a pool is excellent examples of bee water sources.

birdbath How To Plant A Bee Friendly Garden

You can even leave your hose on at just a slow drip. A great tip for small pools and birdbaths is to leave a few pebbles around the water’s edge for bees to land and sit on while they get a drink.

No Chemicals

Pesticides and herbicides are among the leading causes of the disappearance of bees. All unnatural chemicals and fertilizers should be avoided when you are planning and tending your bee garden. You will notice a rapid decline in the number of bees as soon as you use any harmful treatments in the area.

Let Your Weeds Grow

weeds How To Plant A Bee Friendly Garden

Most gardeners wage a year-long battle against weeds like dandelions. Although they aren’t the most welcome plants on your lawn they are a great source of nectar for the bee population. You can still weed your garden beds and around your walkways, but let the dandelions on your lawn grow to help attract a healthy bee population.

Let Your Vegetables Flower

vegetable garden How To Plant A Bee Friendly Garden

When harvesting your vegetables like broccoli and watermelon, cut the veggies out of the plant instead of pulling the whole thing out of the ground. The remaining plant will often flower and is a great source of bee food.

Long Bloom Cycles

yellow hibiscus How To Plant A Bee Friendly Garden

Flowers and vegetable plants that have long or successive bloom cycles are the perfect choice for your bee garden. Hibiscus, Shasta Daisies, Black-Eyed Susans, and Lavender are all long-blooming flowers that are rich in the nectar that bees need. Native wildflowers are a bee favorite along with sunflowers, lilacs, wisteria, and honeysuckle.

Conclusion

The problem of disappearing bees is everyone’s problem. Without the work of bees to pollinate our plants, the human race will have no food. It’s important that we all do what we can to increase the population and provide bees with safe and bountiful spaces where they can thrive once again.

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