8 Ways To Support Native Bees And Pollinators In Your Backyard Garden

Homesteaders need more pollinators! Bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and insects are the ultimate matchmakers of the natural world. They visit flower to flower, sprinkling pollen like a botanical Tinder. And guess what? Three-quarters of the planet’s flowering plants and about 35 percent of our food crops owe their existence to these tireless matchmakers. Yep, that’s right. One of every three bites of food you munch on is thanks to their hard work!

But it’s not all sunshine and nectar-sipping. Our pollinator pals are facing some catastrophic challenges. Habitat loss, disease, climate change, and environmental contaminants have them doing the pollinator hustle to survive. And right now, there aren’t enough pollinator-friendly hangouts to keep them buzzing happily.

That’s why we’re trying to spread the word about saving pollinators. This pollinator protection guide provides eight practical tips and creative ideas for supporting your backyard native bees. We can collectively make a big difference in their survival by taking small steps. Let’s protect them together!

Will you help?

Then let’s continue!

8 Excellent Ways To Support Native Bees And Pollinators

Want more bees? Then plant more trees! For even more pollinator-saving tips, consider some of these. 🙂

1. Plant A Pollinator-Friendly Garden

The first step is to feed the bees! Grow various flowers that bloom at different times. This way, you’ll provide a constant source of nectar and pollen throughout the seasons. Bees appreciate a well-stocked buffet!

Native plants are like the local hangouts for pollinators. They know the menu, the vibe, and the best spots for sunbathing. So, choose plants that are native to your area. They’re often rich in nectar and pollen, making your garden the place to be(e).

Herbs like lavender, sage, and oregano are VIP lounges for bees. They’re fragrant, flavorful, and irresistible. Plus, they’ll add some serious pizzazz to your garden.

But they merely scratch the surface. You have many more options.

• Zinnias: Bright, bold, and full of nectar. Bees do a little happy dance when they spot zinnias.
• Bee Balm (Monarda): Bee balm is a magnet for local bees. It’s a perennial in the mint family, flaunting flowers in vibrant red, pink, and purple hues. Blooms from mid-summer to early fall.
• Strawberries: These sweet treats aren’t just for humans. Bees adore the petite white flowers on strawberry plants.
• Lavender: Lavender smells divine to us. Honeybees and bumblebees also find it irresistible. Plus, it attracts birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
• Cucumbers: These veggies burst with flowers before growing cucumbers. Bees love their nectar and pollen, so plant them near other bee-friendly blooms.
• Cosmos: These delicate beauties sway in the breeze, inviting bees to join their cosmic party.
• Alyssum: These tiny flowers are like bee candy. Plant them to attract honeybees, carpenter bees, and bumblebees.
• Coneflowers: These daisy-like blooms are a bee paradise. They’re also great for butterflies.
• Sunflowers: Bees flock to these sunny giants. Their cheerful faces provide abundant nectar.
• Salvia: A favorite among bees, salvia’s vibrant spikes are a pollinator party.
• Calendula: These sunny orange or yellow flowers are a bee buffet. Plus, they add a delightful color pop to your garden.
• Summer Squash: Zucchini and other Cucurbita family members are bee magnets, which is good for them as pollinators help transfer pollen from male to female flowers for a fruitful harvest.

Every bloom counts! So, let’s roll out the floral carpet and give our pollinator pals a warm welcome.

Read More – Here Are More Tips To Summon Bees To Your Yard And Garden!

2. Avoid Harmful Pesticides And Herbicides

What’s the buzz with pesticides? Those little chemical warriors battle pests, right? But here’s the buzzkill. They’re not always the heroes they claim to be. Many of them moonlight as toxic villains regarding our beloved pollinators.

One instance of polluted pollen and nectar is too many. Imagine a bee innocently sipping nectar from a flower only to find it laced with pesticide residue. Not cool, right? It’s like us accidentally sipping a latte spiked with motor oil. Yuck!

Bee-Safe Alternatives

Now, let’s talk solutions! Here are some organic and natural pesticides that won’t hurt your bees.

Garlic Power

Garlic does more than fend off vampires. It’s also a bee-friendly pesticide. Mix garlic juice with water, spray it on your plants, and watch pests flee like they’ve seen a ghost.

Kaolin Clay

Sounds fancy. Well, it’s like a spa day for your plants. Kaolin clay forms a protective barrier, making pests slide off like they’re on a slip-and-slide. Bees and butterflies give it a thumbs-up!

Corn Gluten Meal

Not just a gluten-free breakfast option – it’s a weed suppressor! Apply it to your turf grass in spring and fall, and crabgrass will be like, “Nope, not today!” 🌽🚫

Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt)

This friendly bacterium targets specific pests without harming bees. It’s like having a precision sniper in your garden.

Using the options above helps save bees, one pesticide-free petal at a time!

Read More – Ten Free Beehive Stand Ideas And Plans For Your Backyard Apiary Or Bee Colony!

3. Create A Pollinator-Friendly Clover Lawn

Imagine a green, eco-friendly, low-maintenance lawn that’s a haven for pollinators. Enter the clover lawn! Specifically, there are white, strawberry, and red clover varieties, each of which produces ample pollen and nectar for our buzzing friends.

These herbaceous perennials, which belong to the same family as peas and beans (Fabaceae), are hardy and can spread up to 12 inches or more. Maintaining a clover lawn is much more straightforward than turf grass.

Clover lawns also host a ton of other benefits.

Low Mowing Frequency

Forget weekly mowing marathons. Clover only needs a trim twice a year. Once after blooming and again before fall frost. Optional extra mowing? No, you’re good!

Minimal Watering

Clover’s deep roots slurp moisture from below. So, water is only mandatory if you’re hosting a clover hydration party during its establishment phase. After that, it usually survives and thrives with only natural rainfall.

No Fertilization Required

Clover is a nitrogen-fixing champ. It grabs nitrogen from thin air (well, almost) and transforms it into plant food, so there is no need for synthetic fertilizers.

Soil-Friendly

Clover thrives in nitrogen-poor soils, where regular grass would throw a tantrum. Its taproot digs deep for nutrients and moisture.

4. Plant Pollinator-Friendly Groundcovers

Clover isn’t the only star in the groundcover galaxy. Check out these pollinator-friendly options.

Green And Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum)

Bright green leaves, yellow flowers, and easy-peasy growth. Perfect for part-shade to part-sun spots.

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

This superb, bee-friendly carpet suppresses weeds. It blooms in May, and it is easy to control.

Native Pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbens)

Taller, slower-spreading, and blooms early in spring, when pollinators hunger for a nectar breakfast.

Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) And Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Native plants for sunny slopes. Their lavender flowers create a phlox-tastic effect.

Herbs For Sunny, Dry Sites

• Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus): Fewer flowers, but it forms a thick weed-stopping mat. It’s like a cozy blanket for your soil.
• Creeping or Red Thyme (Thymus praecox ‘Coccineus’): Semi-evergreen and traffic-tolerant. From a distance, it’s like a mini phlox party!
• Prostrate Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Not always winter-hardy. It’s a fragrant ground cover with well-drained soil requirements.
• Mints (Mentha): Bees adore them, but they’re a bit overzealous. Plant them in a container to keep their enthusiasm in check.

Read More – How To Attract Beautiful Hummingbirds To Your Yard And Balcony!

A Few More Bee-Friendly Shrubs That Hug The Ground

• Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
• Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
• Sweet-Fern (Comptonia peregrina)
• Bush-Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera)
• Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

You may find more native crops that hug the ground in your local region. But, the ground cover crops above should be a great start.

5. Provide Water Sources

Imagine a busy bee zipping around your garden, collecting nectar from flowers, and doing its essential pollination dance. But wait! It’s a hot day, and our little pollinator friend is dehydrated. Like us, bees and other pollinators need water to survive and thrive. Here’s why.

Pollinators, especially bees, work tirelessly. They flap their wings up to 200 times per second! All that buzzing burns energy, and water helps keep them hydrated. Imagine running a marathon without a water station – not fun, right?

Pollinators regulate their body temperature by sipping water. When scorching outside, they seek refuge in shady spots near water sources. Think of it as their version of a beach vacation, minus the sunscreen.

Tips For Creating Pollinator Water Stations

Here are some of our favorite bee water station plans.

1. Shallow Dishes: Find some saucers, shallow bowls, or old frisbees. Fill them with fresh water and place them strategically around your garden. Bees and butterflies can land on the edges and sip without diving headfirst.
2. Birdbaths with a Twist: Upgrade your birdbath game! Add flat rocks, large marbles, river stones, or twigs to create landing spots. Pollinators can perch on these mini islands while sipping water like a tiny spa day.
3. Keep It Clean: Change the water regularly to prevent mosquito larvae. Nobody wants a mosquito pool party – especially not our pollinator pals.

Every drop counts! By providing water, you’re quenching their thirst and supporting the delicate dance of pollination. So set up those water stations, and watch your garden become a buzzing oasis!

Read More – All-In-One Guide For Attracting Butterflies To Your Yard And Garden!

6. Build A Bee Hotel

Do you know how we all crave a cozy home? Well, bees are no different! These little pollination superheroes need a place to rest their wings and raise their young. Enter bee hotels. They’re like an Airbnb for bees, if you will.

Solitary bees love bee hotels the most. Unlike honey bees, solitary bees don’t have a bustling hive with a queen and worker bees. Nope, they’re the introverts of the bee world. Each female bee sets up her pad with a “Do Not Disturb” sign.

Solitary bees (like mason, carpenter, and leafcutter bees) seek cozy nooks and crannies to lay their eggs. Think beetle holes in wood, hollow plant stems, or cavities in human-made structures. They’re resourceful little architects!

Providing nesting sites is like rolling out the red carpet for pollinators. When we offer them a sweet welcome, they repay us by pollinating our fruits and veggies. It’s a win-win!

Plus, solitary bees are the VIPs of pollination. They’re efficient, non-aggressive, and rarely sting (unless you accidentally step on their tiny toes).

DIY Bee Hotel – A Step-By-Step Guide

Now, let’s get our hands dirty (but in a bee-friendly way). Here’s how to build a bee hotel that’ll have your local pollinators buzzing with excitement.

Step 1. Materials You’ll Need

• Bamboo: Find some bamboo stalks or paper straws. These will be your bee suites.
• Wood Blocks: Drill holes of various diameters in wooden blocks. Different bee species have different preferences, so variety is key.
• Box Frame: Construct a simple wooden box frame. Box frames will form the structure of your hotel.
• String or Yard: Use this to bundle your bamboo and wood blocks together.

Variety is key. Try to have holes of various sizes, shapes, and depths.

Step 2. Assembly Time

First, securely fix your bamboo canes and wood blocks inside the box. Arrange them neatly, like a boutique hotel with cozy rooms.

Then, seal the back of the box and add a sloping roof for weather protection. Think of it as a bee penthouse!

Step 3. Location, Location, Location

Place your bee hotel in a sheltered spot. Bees appreciate a quiet neighborhood away from strong winds and rain.

Hang it on a wall, fence, or sturdy post. Ensure it gets some morning sun. The bees love a sunny wake-up call.

Step 4. Wait For The Buzz

Now, sit back, sip some honey-sweet tea, and wait for your guests.

When spring or summer arrives, your bee hotel will be the hottest spot in town. Watch as mason bees and leafcutters move in and start redecorating.

Read More – Bees Also Love Catnip And Catmint! Here’s How To Grow It In Your Yard

7. Support Local Beekeepers And Pollinator Initiatives

Bees aren’t the only ones who need help. Local beekeepers need our support, too! Here’s how to help them.

Buy Local Honey

When it comes to honey, think local! Buying honey from nearby beekeepers ensures you get a fresh, flavorful product and supports the hardworking bees in your community. Here’s why it’s a win-win.

Local honey captures the essence of your region. The bees collect nectar from local flowers, creating a unique flavor profile that reflects your surroundings. Each jar of wildflower, clover, or buckwheat honey tells a sweet story.

Local honey is like a natural multivitamin. It’s packed with antioxidants, enzymes, and pollen, which can boost your immune system and help with allergies. Plus, it’s a delicious alternative to processed sugars.

When you buy directly from beekeepers, you support their livelihoods. These dedicated folks tend to their hives, protect the bees, and ensure a thriving ecosystem. So, grab that honey dipper and spread the love!

Support Community Gardens

Find a local community garden or start one if none exists. These green oases provide food and shelter for pollinators. Sow native flowers, herbs, and veggies everywhere. Bees will thank you with their buzz-tastic presence.

Volunteer With Pollinator Projects

Check out local conservation groups or environmental organizations. They often organize events like planting days, habitat restoration, and educational workshops. You’ll meet fellow pollinator enthusiasts and contribute to a healthier planet.

Bee A Citizen Scientist

Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes! Engage in community science initiatives that track the native bee populations. You’ll learn about bee behavior, collect data, and contribute valuable insights. Who knew bees could use a little detective work?

Check out The National Native Bee Monitoring Research Coordination Network (RCN) for more information.

Your region might also have a local WWF (World Wildlife Federation) office. Call them and ask if they have pollinator support initiatives. Or, ask them how to help!

8. Protect Grasslands And Preserve Natural Habitats

Native shrubs are like the cool, laid-back cousins at the pollinator party. They don’t always steal the spotlight but are essential for a thriving ecosystem.

Native shrubs serve up an array of nectar and pollen. Imagine a honey ball (yes, that’s an accurate nickname for the buttonbush) where bees, butterflies, and moths gather for a sweet feast. These shrubs bloom earlier than perennials, providing crucial sustenance when spring still stretches its wings.

Some native shrubs are VIP hosts for butterfly and moth larvae. They’re like cozy chill spots where caterpillars can unwind and transform into the flying wonders we adore. So, planting native shrubs isn’t just about flowers; it’s about nurturing future flutterers.

With natives, you also get a ton of bang for your bulb. Native shrubs often out-bloom perennials. It’s like the shrub says, “Hold my nectar!” Plus, they’re low fuss, so there is no need to fuss over them like high-maintenance diva plants.

Leaf Litter – The Winter Hideaway

Let’s also discuss leaf litter, which equates to nature’s cozy fall blankets. You don’t need to throw it all in your compost pile—leave some of it where it falls! Here’s why.

Beneath that leafy carpet, native bees, butterflies, and other ground-nesting insects find their winter hideout. It’s like a five-star Bug Bed & Breakfast. Birds, in turn, rely on these overwintering bugs for their breakfast. (Don’t blame the birds. They have to eat too!)

Leaf litter also has other benefits. It insulates plant roots, keeping them snug during frosty nights. Imagine roots high-fiving each other, saying, “Thanks, leaves!”

Leaves also protect the soil from erosion. They’re like tiny guardians, holding the earth together during rainstorms.

Pollinators don’t carry wallets. But they pay us back in blooming gardens and thriving ecosystems. So, let’s raise our gardening gloves to chaotically strewn leaf litter and the many benefits it delivers!

Read More – How To Prevent Bees And Wasps From Swarming Your Hummingbird Feeders!

Conclusion

Thanks for helping us save local pollinators! We’ve noticed a drastic drop in native pollinators, and many readers report the same. It’s never been more crucial for us to fight back and help them! If we don’t, nobody else will!

What about you?

• Have you noticed fewer bees, bats, and butterflies?
• What about hummingbirds? Have you noticed fewer hummingbirds, too?
• What plants and flowers help attract bees in your local region?
• Can you recommend any pollinator-friendly crops not on our list?
• Do you have any more tips that help support pollinators?

Welcome to our pollinator posse. And we hope to hear from you!

Thanks again for reading.

Have a great day!

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