Bees and other pollinators play a critical role in the survival of many plants, including food crops. In fact, without pollinators, a significant portion of the food we eat would simply disappear. Therefore, it is essential to encourage bees and other pollinators to visit your garden by creating a suitable environment that will attract them. 

View our range of bee hotels and insect boxes: CLICK HERE

Let's "Dig in" to the tips and tricks on how to do this and why it is so important to have bees in your garden.

Types of Bees

There are many types of bees, but the two main categories are honeybees and solitary bees. Honeybees are social insects that live in large colonies, with a queen bee, worker bees, and drones. They are highly valued for their ability to produce honey, wax, and royal jelly.

Solitary bees, on the other hand, do not form colonies or hives. They build individual nests, where they lay their eggs and store food for their young. Solitary bees are important pollinators, as they are responsible for the pollination of many crops, such as almonds, apples, and blueberries.

Why are Bees Important in the Garden?

Bees play a crucial role in the pollination of plants, which is essential for their survival. Without pollination, plants cannot produce seeds and fruit, which means that they will eventually die. This, in turn, affects the entire ecosystem, as other animals and insects that rely on these plants for food will also suffer.

In addition, the presence of bees in your garden can also increase the overall health and productivity of your plants. This is because bees transfer pollen from one plant to another, which stimulates growth and helps to produce more fruit.

Tips for Attracting Bees to Your Garden

1. Provide a Source of Food

Bees are attracted to gardens that provide a source of food, such as nectar and pollen. To encourage bees to visit your garden, you should plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of the year. This will provide a continuous source of food for the bees, and help to ensure that they return to your garden year after year.

2. Use Native Plants

Bees are attracted to native plants, as they are more familiar with their scents and shapes. By using native plants in your garden, you will be able to attract a greater number of bees and other pollinators.

3. Create a Water Source

Bees need water to survive, and they are attracted to gardens that provide a source of fresh water. To create a water source for bees, you can use a shallow dish filled with water and pebbles. The pebbles will provide a place for the bees to land, and the water will be shallow enough for them to drink.

4. Provide Shelter

Bees need a place to rest and protect themselves from the elements. To provide shelter for bees, you can create a bee hotel or insect box. These structures provide a safe and dry place for bees to rest, and can also serve as a nesting site for solitary bees.

View our range of bee hotels and insect boxes: CLICK HERE

5. Avoid Using Pesticides

Pesticides are toxic to bees and other pollinators, and can have a negative impact on their health and survival. To protect bees in your garden, you should avoid using pesticides, or use them only when necessary, and choose organic and non-toxic alternatives like our range listed here: CLICK HERE

Advantages of Adding Insect Boxes and Bee Hotels to Your Garden

Insect boxes and bee hotels are great ways to encourage bees and other pollinators to become residents in your garden. By providing a safe and comfortable place for bees to nest and rest, you will be able to attract a greater number of these 

pollinators, and enjoy the benefits of having them in your garden.

1. Increased Pollination

Having a large number of bees and other pollinators in your garden can increase the overall pollination of your plants. This, in turn, can lead to a greater yield of fruit and vegetables, and a more productive and healthy garden.

2. Support for Local Bee Populations

Insect boxes and bee hotels provide a safe and secure place for bees and other pollinators to nest and raise their young. This can help to support local bee populations, and ensure that they continue to thrive and pollinate the plants in your garden.

3. Enhance the Beauty of Your Garden

Insect boxes and bee hotels can also enhance the beauty of your garden, as they provide a unique and interesting feature that can attract visitors and guests. They also serve as a great conversation starter, and can help to educate people about the importance of bees and other pollinators in our ecosystem.

4. Encourage Biodiversity

By providing a habitat for bees and other pollinators, you can encourage biodiversity in your garden. This can help to create a more balanced and healthy ecosystem, and provide a home for a variety of insects, birds, and other animals.

You can truly see that bees and other pollinators play a critical role in the survival of many plants, including food crops. To encourage these pollinators to visit your garden, you should provide a source of food, use native plants, create a water source, provide shelter, and avoid using pesticides. Adding insect boxes and bee hotels to your garden can provide a safe and comfortable place for bees and other pollinators to nest and raise their young, and can help to increase the overall pollination of your plants. By attracting bees to your garden, you can enjoy the benefits of having these important insects in your garden, and help to support local bee populations and promote biodiversity.