Tips To Create A Bee-Friendly Garden

It is not a hidden fact that honey bee colonies have been disappearing for the last decade. There are many factors responsible including the rise in temperatures, the use of pesticides and herbicides, and change in environments. Honey bees are a very important part of nature's cycle, which is significant for our survival. They are the biggest pollinators. About a third of all our crops depend on bees moving between flowers. Creating bee-friendly gardens can be a way to help the bees' survival.

Tips to Create A Bee-friendly Garden

Here are a few tips for creating a bee-friendly garden:

1. Continuous Flowering throughout the Year

Grow the plans that would give you flowers all through the year. Pick local natural ranges of flowering plants. It would help you have flowers throughout the year. Find out which flowering species grow during every season. That way, you would be able to create a food source for your bees throughout the year. This would also provide a variety of nectar in the bees' diet.

You can also try planting different colors' flowers. Studies suggest that bees have favorite colors and are attracted to flowers that have most nectar. Bees see flower colors differently from us.

2. Cultivate Fruit Trees

If you have space in your garden, try to grow at least one fruit tree. If you want, you can grow quite a lot of fruit trees, including citrus fruits. Fruit trees also provide bees with a lot of fragranced flowers. Bees can use them as a food source for a long time in one spot.

3. Make It Easy to Access Water

Like any other living being, bees also need water. So while creating your bee-friendly garden, you need to provide easy access to fresh water for bees. Use a shallow container or ‘bee bath' so that bees won't drown in the water while drinking. You can also add small rocks or wet sand to make sure that bees can have access to the water safely. Also, keep the water container or bee bath on a safe landing area.

4. Better Not Use Chemical Products in the Garden

When planting flowers and trees in the garden, avoid using chemical fertilizers. Keep a completely chemical-free zone for bees, along with other animals residing in your garden. An environment-friendly, pesticide-free, and naturally sustainable garden can be ideal for bees.

5. Provide A Protected Zone

Bees like to forage for their food in a protected area clear of strong winds and rain. Think of the locations for your flowering plants that provide the most favorable position for bees if possible. A safe and dry environment is significant for a bee-friendly garden. In addition, use only nature-friendly pesticides in your garden. You can try using Neem oil, Eucalyptus oil, Epsom salts, garlic or onion, natural plant-based soap, etc.

If you have a large space for a garden, you might be able to support a small-size bee colony by yourself. You will need to make yourself acquainted with beekeeping rules in your area. Most of all, you will have to be patient as beekeeping is a long-term process and need detailed care and protection.