August 19, 2023 (the third Saturday of every August) is World Honey Bee Day. Several of our clients are beekeepers and gardeners who are making a conscious effort to support our bees.
Here are 10 Ways to Save the Bees:
1. Plant a Bee Garden
One of the largest threats to bees is a lack of safe habitat where they can build homes and find a variety of nutritious food sources. By planting a bee garden, you can create a habitat corridor with plants that are rich in pollen and nectar. You don’t need a ton of space to grow bee-friendly plants — gardens can be established across yards and in window boxes, flower pots, and planters. You can also get involved with local organizations and governments to find opportunities to enrich public and shared spaces.
2. Go Chemical-Free for Bees
Synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and neonicotinoids are harmful to bees, wreaking havoc on their sensitive systems. Avoid treating your garden and green spaces with synthetics. Instead, use organic products and natural solutions such compost to aid soil health and adding beneficial insects that keep pests away like ladybugs and praying mantises. Some of our larger, low cost plant stores use these chemicals to treat their plants. Write letters asking them to remove these substances, and purchase from other stores until they do.
#WorldHoneyBeeDay
Other resources to help bees:
I want to be a bee keeper
Who to call if you see a SWARM (Boulder County Bee Association)
Honey Flow
Friends of the Earth
Scientific America
