Bees are more than busy visitors to your flowers. They’re also vital to the health of the planet. Most of the world’s food supply depends on pollination to thrive, and bees help do the job. From plant selection and planning to vital garden supplies, here’s how to create a buzzing oasis for them.

5 Ways to Welcome Bees to your Garden

1. Provide a Home

Bees colonies forage in groups near their hive. To turn your garden into prime bee real estate, provide a place for them to nest. Most bees seek natural cavities for nests, so try drilling various-sized holes in a block of redwood and place it among your plants. You can also pile up branches on the ground. Some species nest underground, so leave patches of bare, un-tilled soil where they can dig in. Of course, you can also buy a ready-made bee house.

2. Choose Bee-Friendly Plants

Many bees forage year-around except for mid-winter, so plan for continuous flower blooms. Remember that pollen and nectar from single-petal flowers are easier for bees to access. As you consider garden supplies, remember that bees have an excellent color vision for finding prime flowers, but it favors ultraviolet light. That means red is hard for them to see, so go with white, blue, yellow, and purple flowers. 

3. Plan Your Plot

Arrange your garden with an eye toward buzzing visitors. Plant in groups rather than spreading them out. Because bees love to visit familiar, satisfying plants multiple times, create swathes of similar plants to save them time and energy. Also, select native plants since your local bees have evolved a preference for them.

4. Avoid Pesticides

Synthetic insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides harm bees, so avoid including them in your garden supplies. When these poisons don’t kill bees, they impair their ability to reproduce, forage, and navigate. Above all, find plants listed as not treated with neonicotinoid pesticides, which have a link to devastating colony collapse disorder.

5. Offer Them a Drink

Although some species get their water from nectar, did you know honey bees get thirsty? To keep them loyal to your garden, place a few shallow dishes or a birdbath among the flowers so they can stop by for a sip. Include a few rocks for them to rest on and refresh water frequently to avoid mosquito problems.

Whether you’re planning a beautiful bee-friendly garden or an entire landscape rejuvenation, the experts at Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center in Bethel, OH, can help. You’ll find everything you need for planting and garden supplies, including an exceptional selection of seeds, tools, fountains, and more. Plus, you can pick up top-quality livestock supplies in one stop. Call (513) 734-2246, visit their website, or connect on Facebook to learn more about their services.