Bees are increasingly threatened and need us to provide them with an abundance of food. In return, they pollinate more than a third of what we eat.
Helping bees and other pollinating insects doesn't have to be a difficult task! Here are some simple ways you can help.
Sowing flowers
Planting flowers and honey plants is a great way to support local pollinators.
You don't need a large yard to do this! Balconies, rooftops, backyards, lawns, community gardens, alleys and vacant spaces are all places where you can grow honey-producing flowers. When choosing them, opt for flower species that are native to your area.
They are naturally prolific in your climate and wild bees love them. Check out our article on honey plants to make an informed choice. Also consider buying local seeds for native plants.
You could also sow clover in your lawn to transform it into an eco-lawn, discover our article right here!
Do less to help the bees
Some plants grow naturally on our land, let them flower to offer their nectar and pollen to pollinating insects. It's easy, you could start by participating in the Dandelion Challenge!
You could also stop mowing completely on a small part of your land. You will quickly be able to see naturally occurring honey plants resurface to feed the bees. Watch life take its course in your small (or large) renaturalized space.
You can also practice rotational mowing to give flowering plants time to bloom in certain areas of your lawn. A study in the UK also found that changing the frequency of mowing and allowing plants to flower could create enough nectar to feed ten times more pollinators.
In the fall, rather than completely cleaning up your garden or yard, simply leave branches and leaves on the ground. This provides solitary bees with places to nest during the winter, and they will be grateful.
Buy consciously and locally
Small, local organic farms that grow a diverse selection of fruits and vegetables are ideal places for pollinators. By supporting local growers, you can stock your pantry with fresh, local produce, or sign up for a CSA (community supported agriculture) vegetable basket service. This will support farmers, bees, and your health!
Avoid pesticides
Pesticides have caused serious harm to bee populations. By making a few changes to your landscaping habits, it is possible to eliminate the need for pesticides. Growing native plants is a great way to reduce our reliance on pesticides, as they are often more resistant to local pests. Additionally, many of these species will attract the natural enemies of the pests you are trying to control, such as ladybugs that feed on aphids and scale insects.
Finally, it is important to share this information within our communities and networks to raise awareness among the people around us.
