Gardening. How to sow and plant to help bees?
In an environment less rich in biodiversity, gardens and balconies can serve as nourishing refuges for all kinds of bees.
Vary the blooms
So-called honey plants provide nectar and pollen to bees. The latter need it all year round, hence the importance of choosing varieties of plants whose flowering will spread over several months. Between now and the end of June, you can, for example, sow “special bee” seed mixtures in a planter or on a piece of land.. Prepare the soil and follow the sowing and watering instructions carefully. Once flowered, the small meadow that will emerge can be foraged until the end of autumn.
Plant aromatic herbs
Thyme, oregano, sage, coriander, rosemary… The warm season is conducive to the growth of these aromatic species which are very popular with bees. Create a special patch where they can come and forage. If you have a vegetable garden, their visit will allow the fertilization of your future fruits and vegetables. And don't forget lavender, which bees are so fond of. To ensure flowering lasts until winter, plant several varieties (Lavandula angustifolia and lavandin, in particular) on well-drained soil.
Forget pesticides
This goes without saying: protect your garden from all insecticides and also herbicides such as glyphosate. Numerous studies have shown that they disrupt pollinating insects.
Keep a wild corner
To please the bees without spending anything, don't hesitate to reserve a piece of the garden for them without mowing or intervention. Clovers, dandelions, crocuses, borage and daisies will be able to grow freely there. Also be sure to keep ivy climbing on your trees: not only does it not harm them, but it provides a source of food for bees in the fall, when a large part of the flowering has come to an end.
