SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO IN YOUR GARDEN TO PROTECT BEES AND OTHER POLLINATORS
Pesticides pose a threat to bees and pollinators. Luckily, there are many ways to keep your garden healthy and your blooms beautiful without the use of pesticides.CHOOSE YOUR PLANTS WISELY
Avoid creating environments that are attractive to pests. For example, burying trimmed plant material in the soil of your garden is an open invitation to unwanted guests -- you've just provided them with a cozy home with plenty of food. Mulch unwanted plant materials in a container you can close.You can also avoid garden pests by planting some of the many varieties of plants that are actually disease and pest-resistant. Look into planting New England aster or wood aster as disease-resistant varieties, and borage or lavender to repel pests, while still attracting honey bees.
GO ALL NATURAL
Consider whether it’s really necessary to contain the intruders. Beetles, slugs, snails, and other pests are naturally occurring players in a healthy garden, so before you decide to take action, think about how much action is really needed. If you are seeing damage that simply can’t be ignored, there are many natural deterrents to help in the fight against pests.
Try salt around the edge of the garden (avoiding the soil) or a shallow cup filled with beer to keep slugs and snails at bay, both natural, bee-friendly pest deterrents. Corn gluten can be applied to the base of weeds as a natural herbicide. Kaolin clay can be mixed with water and sprayed onto the stems, leaves, and bases of plants; the spray dries into a film, protecting your plants from unwanted munching. Remember to spray at night, to avoid hitting bees while they are pollinating.
CALL IN BIOLOGICAL BACK UP
Biocontrol is a fantastic option for those who want nature to do the work. Use naturally occurring predatory or parasitic relationships to your advantage! For example, the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis thrives in healthy soil, and is toxic in pest intestines. The best part? It isn’t harmful to honey bees –- they’re immune!
TAKE IT A STEP FARTHER
Interested in planting bee-friendly plants or becoming a backyard beekeeper? These are both great ways to make a difference! Still wondering why bees and pollination are so important? Read all about the current global bee crisis and join Planet Bee in changing the world, one bee at a time.
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