Good for the Bees: Bee Helpful

>plant for pollen Plant plants that bees love: blueberries, onions, broccoli, apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, zucchinis, melons, and squash, and herbs like lavender. Heirloom varieties and polleny-type flowers are key.
Pussywillows are an especially good plant to keep around for honeybees’ survival, as they are the first to give pollen in the spring.

>keep them safe  Keep bees out of harm’s way: Cut back or eliminate pesticides and fertilizers (even organic ones) altogether. Even some composts contain the insecticide Imidacloprid, which is toxic to bees and the soil.

>go natural  Let the weeds live. Dandelions and clover are popular with bees. Clover not only feeds the busy bee, but it is a legume that collects nitrogen and makes it available for grass—which means less fertilizer. Tim Colon, Vineyard Haven apiarist, says, “Don’t trim the privet.” Let those blossoms grow—they’re great for the bees.

>buy local honey  Enjoy the sweet, raw stuff and the benefits it may provide in quelling pollen allergies.

>stop the insecticides  Beware the “treated” seed: Many crop seeds are now coated with Clothianidin, an insecticide that’s been banned in Germany because of its possible connection to large bee die-offs. This chemical causes the entire plant to become toxic to bees and all other insects that may feed on it. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer for full information.

>mulch with care Because native bees tunnel and live in the soil, they can be blocked by heavy layers of woodchips or plastic liners. Use an organic mulch, and even the semi-rotted stuff is better, for plants, water and bees.