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How to create the Ideal Bee Garden in Your Yard

May 12, 2022

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Bees are an essential part of our ecosystem. They provide about 20% of all pollination globally and support crops such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Yet, populations of bees are on the decline because of pesticides, destruction of habitat, and diseases.

To create an inviting pollinator environment, there are some things to be aware of, from flowers and plants that pollinate to ways to give bees water. Get a complete rundown in this thorough guide.

The reason you should create Bee Gardens? Bee Garden?

Do Your Part to Save Bees

Many bee species are currently endangered or in decline because of a range of factors, including the effects of climate change, loss habitat and pesticide use. In the years since 1947, total U.S.-managed honeybee population decreased by 54%. The decreasing population of bees carries steep consequences--without bees' pollination, many types of food crops would no longer be able to survive. This can have a disastrous negative impact on the planet and the world's food supply.

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Study the different kinds of Bees native to Your Area

Bees are often recognized by their distinctive black and yellow coloring however did you know that there are over 20,000 known bee species in the world, with 4,000 native in the U.S.? And you may be surprised to learn that most species do not live in colonies or hives. Aside from bumblebees, most species of bees found in this region of the U.S. are solitary, dwelling underground or within holes in logs or plant stems.

The kind of bees you find are native to the area will affect the overall composition of your garden, so it is important to take the time to study the local bee species prior to planting.

What Bees Are native to your Area?

What can you do to determine which species of bees live in your area? Although there isn't one definitive source that lists the locations of all the 20,000 species of bees, you can generally hone into local species of bees through a web search.

Like rusty-patched Bumblebees, for instance. originate from the eastern region of the U.S. but can be present in all states. The American Bumblebee, too, is indigenous to the eastern part of the country, but it's also widespread throughout the central U.S. and Great Plains area.

Make use of materials and plants specific to Native Bees

The species of bees that are local to the area you live in will influence the types of flowers you choose to plant. Certain bee species have tongues that are long that are suitable to tubular flowers like honeysuckle. Those with short tongues prefer flowers like daisies and sunflowers. The different species of bees could be active at different times of the year, further impacting which types of flowers and plants they choose.

Be aware of the patterns for nesting of bees native to your area. If they build their nests in the soil, such as in the case of a shady area, ensure that there isn't any the mulch of weed cloth that blocks the soil.

Choose the Best Flowers for the Bees

To find out more about what species of flowers local to where you live browse for the National Wildlife Foundation's database and ask experts at a local nursery.

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In general, bees draw to blue, purple white and yellow flowers. Bees can't see red, though, so avoid scarlet flowers. Be sure to select the right flowers to are blooming throughout the year in order to ensure that bees have an ongoing supply of food. If you have all your flowers bloom in the springtime, as in, the bees' food will be depleted by the end of summer.

With these general principles in mind, think about these common varieties of flowers that bees like.

Calendula

Bees are fond of calendula. It may be vibrant and yellow. If you are in a mild climate they can blossom during winter. However, even if you reside in colder areas it is likely that they'll pop to flower in the springtime. This is because they are a good early source of food for bees, compared to flowers that bloom later in spring or summer.

Bee Balm

This flower gained its name because it was once used to treat stings from bees, nevertheless, it's also extremely appealing to bees. There are several varieties of bee balm, but it is common for them to bloom during spring for up to eight weeks.

Lavender

Lavender blooms for a lengthy season that lasts all summer long. It is high in nectar which can be a major nectar source for honeybees.

Wisteria

Wisteria has a shorter growing season than other flowering plants, yet it offers ample nectar, so it's an excellent addition to any bee-friendly garden.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers can be large and tall and provide plenty of nectar for bees. They tend to bloom in late summer months and help extend the bees' food source. They're also durable and simple to grow and grow, making an excellent alternative to plant almost everywhere. (Pro suggestion: You could dry your sunflower's leaves and hang them on your lawn to attract cavities-nesting insects!)

Coneflower

The wildflowers of this kind produce lots of flowers which makes it a great nectar source for the bees. Additionally, they're tolerant of heat which makes them ideal to bee-friendly gardens in warm temperatures.

Borage

Borage attracts bees with the unique blue color and stars-shaped flowers. These flowers also self-seed, which means they drop seeds before they die and then will reappear within your garden in the following season (in terms of there's less work for you as well as more food and drink for bees! ).

Select Beneficial Plants for Bees

Flowers are the primary food source for bees, different kinds of plants are also beneficial to bee gardeners. The plants, such as trees as well as herbs are able to provide food, shelter, as well as nesting places for bees. Be sure you consider the plants that are local to the area you live in However, you should consider adding those common bee species.

Fruit Trees

A variety of varieties of fruit trees, including the peaches, plums, apples, and pears--are ideal for including in a bee garden. The flowers of the trees provide food for bees, and pollination is typically required to enable the tree to grow fruit.

Herbs

Flowering Shrubs

Shrubs are ideal bee plants since they typically have a lot of flowers within one condensed area. The dense foliage of these plants can offer nesting materials and shelter--not only for bees, but for the birds, and other pollinators too. The most common flowers that attract bees include brush, blueberry bush, ninebark, and berry bushes which include raspberry and blackberry varieties.

Provide Water for Bees

Like all animals Bees require water for drinking as well as a variety of other reasons like cooling their beehives, feeding the young bees and diluting the stored honey. In contrast to other insects, which have the water they need by eating nectar, and pollen do not contain much water, which is why bees require a separate water source.

What's the most effective method in order to provide bees with water? For creating a pleasant environment in your garden, use these tips for providing a safe and reliable water source.

Never Give Bees Sugar Water

You've probably come across the idea that you can revitalize a bee that is tired simply by giving it sweet water. However, that advice is misguided. Bees fed sugar or honey can spread diseases, such as American dysentery and foulbrood which can destroy entire bee colonies.

Only skilled beekeepers can consider feeding honeybees--and often professional beekeepers will never do it. The bees' water is not meant to be sweetened thus, when you are trying to build a friendly bee gardening space, use simple water.

Provide a safe water source

Bees need to have a space to rest when they are drinking from the source of water; otherwise, they risk drowning. Rapid-flowing fountains or deep reservoirs of water aren't efficient water sourcessince they do not provide a secure place to sit for bees.

In order to make a watering dish, you need to start by using a pan that is shallow in water (try a pie pan or a dish made of ceramic). After that, you can add rocks pebbles, moss, or marbles, which can make a secure place for the bees to settle. Also, if you've got an area that is deeper in the water Try adding things that float, such as corks or sponges.

Attract Bees to the Water

Bees search for water sources using scent, rather than seeing. It is not advisable to put sugar in a bee's water, there are alternative ingredients that enhance the smell of water and make it attractive for bees. That's right--the water bees drink may (and ought to) be dirty. Moss, wet dirt or aquatic plants can make your bee-friendly dish a slight smell that has an increased chance of attracting insects than fresh water from the tap. (Bonus water sources that include these natural elements can offer bees with a food source of vitamins and micronutrients!)

Avoid Insecticides

One of the main causes of declining bee populations is the growing application of insecticides. This includes neonicotinoids. These chemical compounds are poisonous for bees and may lead to the destruction of whole colonies. Bees can come into the contact of insecticides by a number of methods:

  • Direct contact occurs after spraying an insecticide directly onto a bee
  • Contact with residue occurs in the event that a bee touches flowers of plants that has been treated with an insecticide
  • Contaminated nesting material, which is created when a single bee gathers nesting materials from plants that have been treated with an insecticide
  • Nesting nests that are polluted, could occur when bees nest among fields, or in the vicinity of fields that have been treated with an insecticide

The dangers of Neonicotinoids

Neonicotinoids comprise a type of insecticides which have been associated with the decline of bees. They are absorbed by plants and spread to the plant's pollen and nectar. Neonicotinoids pose a threat to bees . They have also been proven to alter bees' behavior. Specifically, the insecticide inhibits bees' capacity to hunt and build colonies.

The good news is that the EPA has recently issued proposed guidelines which restrict the use of neonicotinoids can be applied to flowers to reduce pollination by bees.

Risk of other insecticides

Other insecticides are commonly used at both farms and urban landscapes to control unwelcome pests as well as disease-carrying bugs. Bees that come in contact with an insecticide can instantly die, however they can also transport the insecticide back into their hives, which could possibly infect and kill an entire colony. While unwanted pests are frustrating, pesticides do not provide the best solution when you're trying to keep a bee-friendly space.

Bee-Safe Insecticide Alternatives

In order to protect the honeybees, it's recommended to stay clear of insecticides completely. If however, pests or insects are a persistent problem in your bee-friendly garden, there are a few natural alternatives you can consider while still caring for honeybees.

  • Epsom salt is safe and safe for bees will keep snails, slugs and beetles away from your plants. Sprinkle the salt on the base of the plants either by making a half-salt mixture, half-water, and spray it over the plant's leaves.
  • aluminum foil will help to repel the aphids that attack your plants. Wrap the base of any affected plants with stripes of foil. The light reflections will keep pests away.
  • The beneficial predatory insects, such as ladybugs, are able to keep your garden free of insects like beetles, aphids as well as flies. It is good to know that many blooms that draw bees, such as coneflowers, sunflowers, and mint--are also appealing to ladybugs.

Maintain Your Bee Friendly Garden

Beyond the plants you chose to plant in your garden, there are a few additional things you could create and maintain to keep your yard bee-friendly.

Leave Leaf Litter

As autumn approaches it is tempting to pick up fallen leaves out of your garden. The fact is that dead organic matter such as the fallen leaves bees with winter cover as well as protection against predators.

Create the Bee House

Bee houses may look similar to birdhouses, but rather than attracting birds they attract solitary species of bees. As their name suggests, solitary bees live alone instead of in hives or colonies. Bee houses usually consists of items like hollow reeds, cardboard tubes, offers the pollinators a space to build a nest. Incorporating one into your yard is an ideal way to help solitary bees flourish.

Create a Sign-Up

Establishing a bee friendly yard is an accomplishment on its own, but you could also take it a step further to educate the community on your work. Organisations like the Pollinator Partnership offer free printable posters which you can put on your lawn to inform your neighbors know that your plants and flowers provide food and habitat for bees and other pollinators. Your dedication to pollinators may inspire others members of your community to create your own gardens for bees!

Enjoy World Bee Day

Believing in the value of bees for the sustainability of our planet's ecosystem In recognition of the importance bees play in maintaining our ecosystem, the United Nations designed May 20 as World Bee Day. The aim to celebrate United Nations' World Bee Day is to raise consciousness of the significance of pollinators as well in the dangers they're confronted with. The UN offers many suggestions for what individuals can do to help, starting to buying honey in raw form from local farms and planting diverse indigenous plants that can draw and sustain bees all through all season.

Fun fact: United Nations' World Bee Day coincides with the birthday of Anton Jansa, a pioneer of the modern methods for beekeeping.

Have Yard Certified and Get the required sign

In order to celebrate World Bee Day and demonstrate your dedication to protecting bees, think about getting your yard certified as a bee-friendly garden. Pollinator Partnership's Bee Friendly Farming (BFF) program provides three types of memberships that include certified (designed to be used by wineries, farms, ranches, and similar commercial land-use activities) as well as partners (sponsors of the program that don't necessarily own or manage their own landscapes) and garden (designed for home and community gardeners). This membership proves the following guidelines for pollinators and create a sustainable habitat for bees.

Make a Difference to save the Bees

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