6 Best Methods to Create a Bee-Friendly Garden

Some people think that bees would simply flock the garden as long as it is filled with flowers. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Bees, just like other insects, have their preferences when it comes to habitat and food. Since bees are known as friendly insects that can help germinate various flower species, a lot of home gardeners are trying out different methods to attract these insects in their garden.

In this article, we’ve compiled some of the conventional and some not-so-common yet effective ways to attract bees. So, ready your notepads because the succeeding sections will let you in on some proven tricks on how to create a bee-friendly garden.

1. Make Your Garden a Bee Dwelling Place – Plant Nectar-Rich Flowers!

That’s right! If you want your garden to be buzzing with bees every morning, then you have to create a welcome dwelling place for these insects. Contrary to what many believe that bees would just flock to any species of flowers, bees are actually picky as to which flowers to seep the nectar from. To do this, you must consider which flowers and trees to plant in your garden. Bees eat two things– (1) pollen, which serves as their source of fats and protein and (2) nectar which is the source of energy for most bees. Hence, you should center your selection of plants on which ones can give the sweetest nectar and the most pollen.

2. Choose the Right Colors

How to create a bee-friendly garden? Simple, just pick the right colors. Bees, just like humans are easily attracted to colors. They like bright, vibrant colors like yellow, purple, white, violet, and pink. Therefore, it is no wonder why lavender and sunflower are two of the most bee-favorite flowers. They are rich in nectar and have the bright color of violet and yellow that can easily attract bees to your garden.

3. Plant Flowers that Bloom in Different Seasons

Most flowers are seasonal in which most bloom in the spring season. However, there are also plants that still bear flowers in seasons like autumn and summer. Sunflower, for instance, can survive the summer months. If you want to have flowers that can survive for most of the year, then it is better to have perennial flowers like Echinops instead. These type of flowers are easy to grow and bloom year after year.

4. Have Some Raspberries and Blackberries!

What if I don’t have a flower garden? Or what if I am allergic to pollens? No worries, you can still attract bees by planting sweet-smelling and flower-bearing fruits like raspberries and blackberries. These plants have a high concentration of nectar and sugar which the bees like. You can also include blueberries on the list; however, they have an odd-looking flower that may only attract the native bees.

5. Stay Away from Toxic Sprays and Synthetic Chemicals

If there’s one thing that you have to remember when attracting bees to your garden, it is always to stay organic and natural. Do not ever attempt to pump spray chemicals and other pesticides as these might contain toxic ingredients which will drive the bees away from your garden. Moreover, these chemicals may alter the sweetness of the nectar which is an essential component on how to create a bee-friendly garden.

So, how can you control the other pests and insects that can cause damage to your garden? You can always go for the natural method of pest control. Have more beneficial insects and check your garden consistently for any sign of pest problems. Moreover, use an organic fertilizer to grow healthy plants in your garden.

6. Build a Bee Bath

Bees also need water to drink. Your garden must have fresh water that bees and other beneficial insects like ladybugs and butterflies can easily access. To build a bee bath, decorate your garden with a shallow bowl filled with fresh water. Add some pieces of stones which serve as the dry islands in which the bees can touch down.

Conclusion

How to create a bee-friendly garden is a common concern of homeowners who love growing different flowers in their garden. This is due to the fact that bees are natural pollinators which can aid in the fast propagation of plants. Also, the presence of bees is a good indication that your garden is growing healthy plants.

So, go ahead and try these six methods and see the difference they make. Have a nice day!