It’s been an unusually snowy winter, but spring is finally here and it’s time to start gardening! Sometimes, it’s difficult to decide what to plant, as there are so many amazing things to grow. One thing to consider is how to attract bees to your garden. Certain flowers and herbs are more likely to bring in these useful pollinators than others.

Why Bees Matter

So, let’s get this out of the way first: bees can be annoying. They buzz around us when we’re trying to enjoy a meal on the patio or a family picnic in the park. If they sting you, it’s painful and that doesn’t exactly make them endearing. However, we need bees and our plants need bees. Yes, they make wonderful honey, but that’s not all. Your favourite cotton T-shirt, for example, probably wouldn’t exist if bees hadn’t pollinated numerous cotton plants. Bees also pollinate other important crops and the beautiful wildflowers we enjoy every spring.

General Guidelines When Planting for Bees

Begin by choosing a sunny spot that’s shielded from the wind when you plant. You don’t need a huge area; a sunny apartment balcony would be perfect, for example. Select various plants that will grow and flourish at different times during the growing season. That way, you will always have something for the bees to pollinate. Most importantly, avoid using pesticides, as they are toxic to bees.

Flowers that Bees will Love

Bees love colour. They especially favour blue, purple, and yellow, so plant flowers that feature various vibrant blossoms. Also, select flat or shallow blossoms and plants that have single, rather than double flowers. More nectar and pollen is found in single flowers, and double flowers are more challenging for bees to access because they have so many petals. Flowers that you could plant include: asters, daisies, poppies, snapdragons, and zinnias. Here are more bee-friendly flowers you could add to your garden.

Herbs for You and Your Bees

If you prefer to plant herbs, rather than flowers, never fear: bees will still love your garden. For instance, those herbs that make wonderful teas, such as mint, lavender, and lemon balm, are also bee favourites. Mediterranean herbs, including oregano, rosemary, and thyme, are great choices too. Also, all these herbs are perennials. This means that you and your bees will be able to enjoy them year after year.

April is the perfect month to begin creating a green oasis on your balcony or patio. Many people think that because they live in an apartment or condo they can’t enjoy gardening, but nothing could be further from the truth. With just a few inexpensive supplies, you can become a container gardening pro. And, most importantly, you can enjoy your own herbs and vegetables in meals and drinks in the months to come.

Selecting the Perfect Container

Before you buy containers, you need to decide what you want to grow. For example, one herb that thrives in containers is mint. The ideal container for mint should be 8 inches or more in diameter and 10 inches deep. It should have adequate drainage, and it’s a good idea to place a saucer under your container to collect excess water. Also, mint is best when it’s the only herb in the container because it will take over all available space.

Many lettuce varieties also do very well in containers. A 6- to 12- inch clay pot, again with adequate drainage is ideal. Using a clay pot is important because lettuce likes to be well-watered, but does not do well if its roots get soggy. Clay provides a permeable surface that can evaporate any excess water.

Choosing the Right Supplies

In addition to using good potting soil, you’ll need to get a few more supplies to help you become a container gardening aficionado. So, if you’ve planted mint or beans or anything else that can grow upright, you need bamboo stakes. Tie them to your plants using string or twine and it will help give them the added support they need to continue to grow.

Another important, but often overlooked item, are garden markers. If you get really enthusiastic and start planting lots of herbs and vegetables, you may forget what is growing in each container! It’s also great if you can get markers like these:

Chalk markers allow you to erase and start over again as you experiment with different plants from year to year. Also, some herbs like parsley and dill are annuals and will not grow back unless you replant.

Good luck with your container garden, and if you need basics like a watering can, garden gloves, and a soil scoop, come in and see us!

How to Attract Bees to Your Garden