The Dandelion Challenge is a 100% Quebec initiative supported since 2021 by the couple of beekeepers who founded Miel&Co. This movement aims to raise awareness among the population about the importance of pollinating insects. Each spring, cities and citizens are invited to delay mowing their lawns in order to offer nectar and pollen to bees thanks to the dandelions naturally present in our lawns. Thanks to this boost, bees have enough energy to start the plant pollination season and provide a third of our food!

Contrary to popular belief, the Dandelion Challenge does not take place throughout the month of May, it is a case-by-case basis depending on the region. There are no specific dates since the grass is not at the same stage in the spring in the different regions of Quebec. We invite our participants to delay mowing their lawns in order to offer the dandelions to pollinating insects. Rather than mowing as soon as the dandelions come out, we suggest waiting 2 to 3 weeks to feed the bees, mow and then the dandelions will grow back with a renewal of nectar and pollen. Each participant can adapt according to their climate, for example the movement in Gaspésie will take place at the beginning of June while in Montreal, it will probably be necessary to mow before the end of May.

Yes. Here is what is asked of participants:

1. Delay mowing the lawn for a few days to a few weeks to provide dandelions for pollinating insects.
2. Avoid the use of pesticides.
3. Committing to supporting pollinators after the Dandelion Challenge, here are some suggestions.

No. The Dandelion Challenge is a registered trademark of Miel&Co. Out of respect for our work, please use the tools we provide you with only. For any additional requests, please contact us at info@mieletco.com

Yes, Miel&Co. dedicates several months a year to the creation of these visuals, we ask that copyright be respected please. Défi Pissenlits is a registered trademark of Miel&Co.

We are Christina and David Lee, a beekeeping couple who own the company Miel&Co. in Portneuf. While we were often asked how to help the bees, we had the idea to launch the easiest challenge of the spring: the Dandelion Challenge. We simply invite people from all over Quebec to delay mowing their lawns, in order to offer food (nectar and pollen) to the bees thanks to the naturally present dandelions.

Because supporting pollinating insects is easy!

The first edition launched in 2021 was a success. So much so that we can now admire yellow lawns all over Quebec every spring.

The Dandelion Challenge is helpful for all pollinating insects! Learn about the different insects that contribute to pollination right here.