IT’S TIME TO THINK ABOUT BEES! WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP AND ENCOURAGE THEM!

You can start by planting a variety of bee-friendly flowers. Bees are drawn to flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen. Native Australian plants are particularly beneficial, as they have evolved alongside local bee species. Plants like Leptospermum (tea tree), Grevillea, and Eucalyptus are great choices. In addition, flowers such as lavender, phacelia, and borage attract bees with their strong scents and colourful blooms. But honey bees will flock to any flower as long as it has pollen! To encourage bees to pollinate your crops it’s important to have a mix of plants that flower at different times throughout the year to provide a consistent food source too!

When thinking about planting, try to include a variety of flower shapes and colours. Bees are especially fond of blue, purple, and white flowers. Grouping the same type of plant together in clusters can help bees forage more efficiently. Avoid using pesticides, especially those containing neonicotinoids, as they are harmful to bees. If you must control pests, consider organic methods like our Bee & Beneficial Insect Mix to encourage natural predators. And our chilli seeds will soon have you making your own insecticides!

Providing a clean and reliable water source is another important step. Bees need water not only for drinking but also to regulate the temperature of their hive. But there is nothing sadder than a thirsty bee ending up drowning when you really wanted to help. So we have some great ideas to make your water source safe for bees and other beneficial insects.

Shelter is also key for bees. While many people associate bees with hives, native bees often nest in small cavities or underground. Leaving a patch of bare soil or installing a bee hotel made from drilled wooden blocks or bamboo can offer ideal nesting spots. Try to keep a portion of your garden a bit wild, allowing plants to grow freely. This can create a habitat for ground-nesting bees and other beneficial insects.

Bees are more active during warmer months, and they tend to avoid the wind. Try to design your garden with some sheltered spots where bees can rest if needed. By providing a range of plants, a clean water source, and a safe environment, you’ll make your garden a haven for bees, contributing to the health of your local ecosystem! And you will experience bumper crops too!