7 Tips for a Bee Friendly Garden

Many people want to do their part to protect honey bees, but they don’t know where to begin. It’s actually easier than you may think to support your local honey bee populations and other pollinators. Even if you are short on space and time, you can plant a bee friendly garden that will provide honey bees and other pollinators with ample opportunity to gather the nectar and pollen they need.

If you have a large yard and a green thumb, you can create a beautiful oasis for honey bees to forage and thrive. But, even if you live in an apartment with a small patio, you can still create a safe haven for honey bees.

Our Favorite Bee Friendly Garden Tips

Do you want to create a place where honey bees can forage? Do you want to do your part to support pollinators in your local ecosystem? Read on to learn about 7 tips to help you attract honey bees and help them thrive.

Plant a variety of flowers. 

Have you heard that variety is the spice of life? This same adage applies to honey bees too. When you are planning your backyard garden, be sure to include a wide variety of flowers and flower shapes. Different species of bees have different tongue shapes and lengths as well as likes and dislikes when it comes to nectar. By providing different flowers of different shapes and sizes, you can accommodate all of their preferences and make your garden a go-to destination for foraging bees.

Provide a water source. 

Many people don’t think about the fact that bees need water, in addition to nectar and pollen in order to keep their colony thriving. Install a small pond or even a birdbath in your yard or on a porch to provide honey bees with a water source. Be sure to place some small rocks or sticks in the water to provide the bees with a safe place to land.

Have flowers all year long. 

In San Diego, bees of various species can be active throughout the year. Don’t think solely about plants that thrive in the summer time. Choose plant varieties that have long seasons or even thrive in the winter time to provide plenty of opportunities for bees to do their work.

Avoid chemicals and pesticides. 

Chemicals and pesticides are harmful to bees and other insects and animals that may encounter them. In order to protect the bee population, it is critical that you avoid using any of these harsh substances in your yard. Insecticides will kill bees and other important pollinators and have a direct impact on your local ecosystem.

Make the most of your space. 

You do not have to have an expansive yard or garden to support honey bees. Small spaces can also attract bees and be perfectly adapted to support pollinators. Consider planting vertical plants such as jasmine or honeysuckle. Hanging baskets can also be a great way to maximize space while still providing flower variety. If you cannot make it work in your space, do some research to find a communal garden in your neighborhood.

Don’t forget herbs. 

Herbs not only make wonderful additions to your meals, but they can be very popular with honey bees. Pots of herbs can be placed on a balcony or porch to maximize small spaces. Not only are herbs attractive to pollinators, they can enhance your culinary skills and be great to share with friends and family.

Seek assistance from local beekeepers. 

If you are not sure how to support honey bee populations in your personal garden or yard, seek out the assistance of a local beekeeper. They can direct you to plants and flowers that are attractive to honey bees and sustainable in your local area. They may also be able to provide you with additional advice to attract honey bees and provide them with the resources they need to survive.

San Diego is lucky to be a home for many species of honey bees. You can do your part in protecting honey bees by planting a bee friendly garden or providing even small spaces for bees to forage. Honey bees must be protected so always choose live bee removal services if you have a troublesome hive or swarm on your San Diego property. The professionals at D-Tek Live Bee Removal are ready to answer your call and help you safely and humanely rid your property of honey bees.