Tips to Create a Bee-Friendly Garden
It’s estimated that there are “2 trillion bees worldwide, this amount of bees are divided into 20,000 species”, of this number of bee species it’s estimated that the number of honey bee colonies amounts to 81 million. The natural habitat of honey bees is tropical evergreen forests, meadows, woodlands, orchards, and gardens. Honey bees also construct nests or hives inside of tree cavities, dead stumps, and under the edges of objects to be hidden from predators.
But in recent years many of their habitats have been thrown down to make way for construction depriving bees of not only their home but their food source, to help out our bee friends that work so hard with plant pollination besides providing honey we can do our part by creating a bee-friendly garden. A garden of this sort will help honey bees feel right at home like being in their natural habitat.
6 Tips to Create a Bee Garden
1. Install Bee Friendly Flowers and Trees
When constructing a bee-friendly garden include lots of flowering plants with flat tubular or open flowers, flowers that produce an abundance of nectar and pollen will draw bees to your garden like a magnet. Some of these plants include lantanas, lavender, pansy, peony, marigold, black-eyed Susan, cosmos, aster, salvia, coneflower, catmint, Sunflower, dahlia, etc… Bees are mostly attracted to yellow, purple, blue, white and violet so make sure that your garden is filled with these colors.
If you’re planning on providing bee-friendly trees then include trees such as cherry and apple trees other fruit trees can work as well, this type of planting is a win-win both for you and your bee friends because while you’re providing a food source for bees you will also be providing food for yourself. None edible plants include oak tree, willow, tulip poplar, redbud, black locust, etc…
2. Trash Pesticides
I know garden insect pests can really do a number on our gardens by destroying healthy plants, I have had my share of them but avoid the use of harmful pesticides which can and have killed many bees. Try using some of these natural methods or use organic pesticides such as neem oil, Bacillus thuringiesis (BT), garlic, etc…
3. Providing a Water Source
Bees need water to drink so installing a water source will help them greatly, the key is to provide a tray or a shallow bowl of water, place a few rocks in the bowl or tray for bees as support or if, in the event they fall in the water, they can use the rocks to climb out.
4. Install a Bee Hotel
Installing a bee hotel is a great way to have your garden teeming with bees, these hotels have become so popular, bee hotels or insect hotels can be built or purchased and installed in your garden. These hotels can be hanged or placed against the sides of a garage, shed, post, fence, or mature tree, make sure that your bee hotel is placed near a south-facing sunny position near bee-friendly flowers and shrubs.
5. The Importance of Weeds
As we know there are many disadvantages of weeds, but what is also interesting is weeds have a positive side as well, weeds such as thistles and dandelions are nectar-producing weeds that are great food sources for bees. Don’t remove all of that weeds leave a patch in your backyard to grow wild.
6. Herbs and Vegetables
Allow some of your fruits and vegetables to flower, this move will be a good food source for bees.
Bonus Point Just for You
- Installing plants with different bloom seasons will ensure that bees are always provided (pollen and nectar) with their food source. Install a mixture of early-and late-season flowers
- Hallow stems makes a good nesting place and shelter for bees
- Because bees love fragrance, growing fragrance flowers in your garden will draw them in, some of these flowers include zinnias, rose, marigold, goldenrod, anise hyssop, beebalm, etc…
The final word on how to create a bee-friendly garden
Creating a bee garden is that simple, I believe this is a great way to give nature a helping hand by providing a home for bees in our backyards that will become a natural habitat for them. Following this guide will guide you along the way as you learn proven methods that will have your garden teeming with bees, go ahead and give creating a bee-friendly garden a try. You will be so happy with the results.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Hello Norman!
I’m really interested in gardening and creating a space that’s not only beautiful but also beneficial for the environment. Bees have been on my mind lately, considering their importance in pollination and the challenges they’re facing due to habitat loss.
Your article about creating a bee-friendly garden seems like a great way to contribute positively to both the bee population and my garden. I’m curious about the concept of a “bee hotel.” It sounds intriguing, but I’ve never heard of it before.
Could you explain what a bee hotel is and how it helps attract and support bees in a garden?
I’m looking forward to learning more about these creative ways to make a welcoming environment for bees!
Thank you so much for your kind words, I am so happy that I could help, all the best with creating your bee haven.