If you want to invite an array of bees in your backyard or garden, you can do so by planting their favourite flowers and making it comfortable for them to pollenate. As natural habitats are getting reduced for bees, they are now looking for homes where they can find a comfortable shelter. Many research studies have found that by planting bee-friendly gardens, we can increase the diversity of bees in our concrete jungle as well.
The 4 Essentials of a Bee Friendly Garden:
Right Plants – You must pick the plants that are best suited to attract bees in your garden
Less Insecticides – If you limit the use of insecticides that may be toxic to bees or other pollinators, you can have more bees in your garden
Provide Shelter – If you can provide shelter against wind, rain and cold weathers, you will soon have a bee-friendly garden to be proud of
Habitat for the Nest– If you are able to provide a habitat for the pollinator for the life cycle from egg, larva to adult, you will soon have many more bees around your garden
Importance of Creating a Welcoming Home For Bees
Everyone that eats plants (including humans) depend on pollinators
Almost 75% of the foods we eat – including herbs, fruits, nuts and vegetables need pollinators to reproduce
You can triple the yield of produce in your garden with the right bees
If you can create a hospitable place for bees in your garden, there is a less chance that they will come inside your home
Even a small flower pot or a patch of green can provide a valuable pollinator habitat
Tips for a Bee Friendly Garden:
Plants That Attract Bees – Bees are fond of flowering herbs, native wildflowers and berries so if you plant these in your garden, you will be showered with the affection of bees in your plants. You can plant strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, basil, thyme, oregano, chives, cucumber, sunflowers, lilacs, clovers, dandelions, etc. to attract more bees in your garden.
Grouping Similar Plants – Ideally, it is best to plant at least one square yard of the same plant to attract bees perfectly. If you are short on space, you can also plant a small window box or a few wildflowers and herbs in a planter to create a suitable bee habitat.
Long Blooming Cycles – When you choose plants that have a longer blooming cycle or successive blooms, you can have the bees coming back again and again to your gardens.
Keep The Flowers On The Plants – If you want bees around, you must leave the flowers on your plants so that they get the pollen and nectar they need.
Ensure A Fresh Water Source – A shallow water source like a pool, dripping hose, bird bath with stones for bees to rest, or a backyard waterfall are all great places for bees.
By creating the right atmosphere and staying away from pesticides and insecticides, you can definitely attract more bees in your garden.
