How to attract bees to your garden
26.06.2023Bees are important and efficient pollinators. As well as pollinating around 70 food crops in the UK, including culinary staples like apples, broccoli, and tomatoes, they also pollinate wildflowers and trees, which then feed other insects… which in turn feed birds and mammals, feeding larger birds and mammals – so you get the picture. Bees basically help run the entire eco system.
Life without bees is unthinkable. But sadly, bees are in danger. Pesticide use and habitat destruction are two of the biggest threats to bees right now, together with climate change, parasites and viruses, plus invasive species. Sadly, it’s not a great time to be a bee!
But, the good news is you can make a difference. Here’s how:
Stop using pesticides
Firstly, it is important to note the distinction between pesticides and herbicides.
Pesticides are chemicals designed to target ‘pests’, whereas herbicides target your unwanted weeds. Glyphosate is non-selective and the most commonly used weed killer in the UK. While not directly harmful to insects, research has shown that glyphosate can impair the immune system of insects. Suffice to say, we all understand the use of chemicals in the natural environment has damaging consequences.
Pest control:
It can be frustrating when pests take over your home produce, or plants. But importantly, these ‘pests’ are a food source for other creatures. And by attempting to eradicate them with chemicals, you’re not only taking away that food source, you’re upsetting the balance of the whole ecosystem of your garden.
Many European countries now ban the use of synthetic pesticides in public places and gardens. So taking the important step to not use pesticides will give our struggling insect populations the chance to recover.
Read about how to control garden pests without chemicals »
Plant a source of bee food
Go into any garden centre and the chances are you will see plants advertised as pollinator-friendly. And guess what? There are lots of different types of bee-friendly plants to choose from – some obvious, some less so.
Lavender, heather, marjoram, marigolds, and bluebells will all see bee action. Remember to include a range for every season, giving your bees the opportunity to feast through spring, summer, and autumn.
And remember, a garden with a diverse range of fungi, plants, flowers, trees etc. is healthy for all creepy crawlies. So, try to allow a section of garden to go wild (pssst, read the next section).
Leave the weeds!
Tempting though it can be to wage war on dandelions and other undesirable plant species, they’re a great source of food for bees that requires no effort on your part. The same goes for many other plants that are traditionally considered to be weeds. And it’s not just the bees you’ll be helping. Butterflies love nettles. Cinnabar moths love ragwort (as do at least 35 other insect species). Leave the weeds and plant and insect diversity will follow!
Try to reframe how you look at them – they’re not weeds, they’re bonus plants! If you can convince yourself they belong where they are, you’ll learn to appreciate just how much diversity they bring to your garden.
Like a tidy garden?
Small, large, formal, or country – whatever type of garden you have, there is almost always a space where you can let the wildlife roam. Even just a small section left to go wild can provide a noticeable benefit to bees and other creatures.
No Mow May
PlantLife’s annual No Mow May campaign encourages gardeners to leave their lawns to grow during the month of important spring May (and longer, if you can manage). This allows biodiversity to flourish at an important time of year, with grasses growing longer and wildflowers taking the opportunity to grow. Insects thrive with greater availability of food sources. Plus, you get a month off mowing the lawn!
If a totally wild lawn is not for you, consider establishing wild areas where you let the grass grow long. And remember, every little helps.
Make water available
Bees and other insects need a drink, just like everyone else! But finding a safe drinking spot can be tricky when you’re less than 2 cm long and you have a short tongue. Shallow pools will help bees access water. A wildlife pond (no fish) is a brilliant start, and can just be very small!
If you do have a pond, consider putting rocks on the edges of the water to allow the bees to drink in safety. Leaving shallow dishes – like jam jar lids – in amongst the flowers will also help.
Provide shelter
All flying insects need shelter in wet weather and to rest and hibernate in. Some bees will be happy to make their own homes, but others will look out for nesting boxes or bee hotels. These don’t need to be complicated. You can buy them in a garden centre or make your own, then watch and see who takes up residence. You could even create a bee café in a flowerpot – like this one.
Now all you need to do it sit back and enjoy the sound of happy bees. And if you’d like to know which bees are visiting your garden, why not read more about the most common bees you’ll see in a UK garden.
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