How Can I Attract Bees to My Garden?
One of the best ways to attract bees to your garden is to plant single-flowering plants rather than double-flowered plants. You can also plant more than one plant of the same flower, and don’t spray your flowers with pesticides. Another way to attract bees to your garden is by planting native species that will attract wild bees. Wildflowers are great for attracting bees because they provide the insects with pollen.
Single flowers attract bees better than double flowers
If you’re interested in attracting bees to your garden, you should plant single flowers, as double flowers are harder for bees to pollinate. Double flowers have extra petals that can block pollen and nectar. Single flowers have more petals and are easier for bees to pollinate.
Planting multiple plants of the same flower
You can attract bees to your garden by planting several plants of the same type of flower. Generally, bees are attracted to flowers that have the same color or pattern. Plants such as Mexican heather and Queen Anne’s lace attract bees.
Avoid spraying pesticides on flowers
If you want to attract bees to your garden, you should avoid spraying pesticides on flowers. This is because pesticides can drift to flowers that are not their target. In addition, pesticides can also drift to water sources. Bees are sensitive to residues from pesticides, so you should avoid spraying pesticides on your flowers during the day.
Creating a bumblebee pot or nest
Creating a bumblebee nest or pot in your garden is a great way to encourage these beneficial insects to visit your garden. They love flowers and nectar and need plenty of these during the early spring and early summer, so make sure you plant lots of early-blooming plants that they can adore. Also, consider planting weeds in your garden, as these provide both pollen and nectar.
Planting flowers that self-seed
Planting flowers that self-seed is an excellent way to attract bees to your garden. You can choose from a wide variety of flowers that can attract all kinds of pollinators. Sunflowers, for example, are a great choice because they can grow in most areas, and they are also good for birds. Goldenrod is another good choice, as its feathery yellow flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects. There are even bi-colored varieties available, which make them more attractive to bees.
Avoid contributing to habitat loss
If you want to attract bees to your garden, it is crucial to create a natural habitat for them. Wild bees often find refuge in dead trees and weedy hedgerows. They may also take shelter in abandoned animal burrows. To attract these creatures to your yard, place nesting material, including logs and twigs, near water sources. Then, make sure that the area is undisturbed during the winter and provide a source of water for them to drink.