Simple Changes

For such a small creature, bees truly make a big impact. It is estimated that one out of every three bites of food that we eat is only possible because of pollinators like honey bees. It only makes sense that we do everything in our power to keep local bees strong and healthy, so they can keep doing what they do.

Did you know that it takes about two million flowers and 556 honeybees to make one pound of honey?

What bees need most is pollen and nectar. Here are a few things you can do to help:

1. Plant a variety of wildflowers, perennials and trees ensuring that you have blooms from April to October.
2. Avoid using any kind of pesticides (they kill insects).
3. Only use herbicides when plants are not in bloom and so that it doesn’t touch any standing water (bees need clean food and water supplies).

Articles that may spark even more ideas:

1. Spare the dandelions, save some bees
   Dandelions are an early source of food for bees so leave them on your lawn all summer or at least until other blooms appear.
2. Feeling lucky? Plant a clover lawn
   Replace grass with bee-friendly plants such as creeping thyme, self-heal and dutch white clover.
3. Buy local honey
   Supporting beekeepers in your area not only keeps the local economy strong, it provides you with the purest form of honey.

I’d love to hear what you are doing to help our amazing bees.

Filed under: Earth | Tagged: #savethebees, eco-friendly lawns, pollinator friendly gardens |