Build a Bee Friendly Backyard

Learn about the state of bees on this planet and some great tips on how to build a bee friendly backyard to help bring their species back from decline!

It’s well established that the bee population has declined dramatically in the last few years. There are many potential factors in this decline, including: pesticides, climate change, stress, mites, and EMF signals from modern technology. This news is completely true, but also doesn't paint the full picture. The focus is on the honey bee, but what about native bees? They are also in dire straits. However, you can help! By following these steps you can nurture happy, healthy bees.

With over 21,000 varieties of bees, there only seven distinct species of honey bee with a total of 44 sub-species. The rest are much easier to care for, and would love to visit your backyard.

Studies show that when a bumble bee “buzz” pollinates a tomato plant, its fruit will be larger. But, bumble bees do not make or eat honey! They eat pollen. Many people think bees are for honey, but, in fact, honey bees are only a small percentage of all of the bee species.

So, how do you promote happy bees in your backyard? Good news! It's easy and they are very low maintenance.

Ideal Habitat for Healthy Bees
Not all bees live in a central hive. Generally, this is a trait of the European Honey Bee. Though, that is what most people think of when they imagine a bee's home. Native bees live in wood piles, under rocks, and other undisturbed areas. If you want to create a bee friendly area, leave an area of your garden or yard undisturbed, with a pile of sticks and other lightly packed debris.

You can also offer a bee hotel These are wooden structures with holes or sticks which allow the bee to burrow inside. Make sure they have a source of fresh shallow water. Just a dish with a rock in it will do (just in case one of those silly bees decides to go swimming).

What do Bees Eat?

When choosing flowers, there are two characteristics to look for: First, make sure to choose a variety of flowers or flowering plants to always have something in bloom; Secondly, most bees cannot “buzz” the way a bumble bee can, shaking pollen out of tight spaces. Keep that in mind and pick open faced flowers. They're preferred by native bees. Examples are the daisy or sunflower.

If you are able to plant the flowers near a windbreak, this will make it easier for the bees to play.

So what about those big veggies? Bees love all sorts of herbs and veggies. Could you plant an herb garden? Oregano, thyme, rosemary, and mint are just a few of the herbs that are very hardy. You’re going to have a hard time finding a vegetable or fruit that bees don’t appreciate. Some suggestions are squash (talk about easy pollen to get to!), beans, peas, cucumbers, and, of course, tomatoes.

Pesticides and herbicides weaken and kill bees. Look for alternative methods to tackle your garden problems.

Join us in preparing the next generation of beekeepers! With buzz-ED, children are taught a better of caring for Earth’s other inhabitants.

Can you help?

Learn more about the Fundraiser