A bee pasture attracts pollinating insects to the garden and fulfills two important functions. Firstly, the honey bee plants provide food for wild bees, bumblebees, butterflies and the like. Secondly, they attract insects to the garden, which can also pollinate fruit trees and other crops. In the article we will tell you how and when to create the bee pasture and what you need to pay attention to when caring for it.
Creating a bee pasture: Which trees, perennials, flowers and herbs are suitable?
But what do you actually mean by a bee pasture? Basically, it's an area in the garden where trees, wildflowers, herbs and various perennials with pollen-rich flowers grow. When designing thebee-friendly flower bedMake sure it looks as natural as possible. Once established, most plants can handle little care. They need fertilizer from time to time and possibly watering if the heat continues. As a rule, however, they are left to their own devices.
The trees, perennials, flowers and herbs that are eligible must meet certain criteria. First and foremost, plants should produce unfilled flowers that are easily accessible to bees. Secondly, it is important that theFlowers rich in pollenand nectar are. When planting, you should also make sure to combine early with summer and late flowering species so that the insects can find food all year round.
Certain grasses that provide nesting material for wild bees and especially mason bees are also possible. It is also very important that all other plants in the garden (and if possible also in the neighbors) are not treated with any preparations such as pesticides. You should also avoid using chemicals and certain fertilizers. Below we list several plants that are suitable for bee pasture.
Marigold is one of the most popular honey-bearing plants
Marigold is an annual plant that produces red, orange or yellow flowers. The maximum height can vary greatly depending on the variety. If they get too tall, you can cut them back. The marigold is not only perfect for bee pasture, you can also plant it in the vegetable patch because some varieties can fight nematodes. You can sow the seeds for the bee pasture after the end of the permanent frosts. Location: sunny. Interesting varieties: Resina, Orange King, Pink Surprise, Pacific Beauty.
Creating a bee pasture: The student flower (Tagetes)
Marigold is often confused with marigold. The two not only look similar, but also have something else in common: they are excellent planting partners for various types of lettuce in the vegetable patch. They are also beautiful permanent bloomers that not only attract bees but also butterflies.
Perennial beekeeping plants: meadow sage
Meadow sage is a perennial plant that blooms in spring and summer. This variety is a true sun lover and can easily tolerate long periods of heat and drought. The perennials can only tolerate waterlogging poorly. Good soil drainage is an absolute must. Otherwise, the sage does well with little care.
The verbena (vervain)
Verbena prefers full sun, but can also thrive in partial shade under certain circumstances. Verbena grows best in well-drained soil. They need more time to germinate. It can take 4 to 6 weeks from the time the seeds are planted to the first leaves of the young plants. So it's worth itBring forward in Aprilto start. Verbena is susceptible to powdery mildew, so leave enough space between plants when planting.
The real milkweed plant provides food for caterpillars and butterflies
The real milkweed plant provides food not only for bees, but also for butterflies. Its flowers and leaves are therefore very important for insects in the garden.
Borage for the bee-friendly garden
The popular herb can be used to flavor the dish or dessert. Of course, it tastes best when it is harvested directly from your own garden. But borage is not only popular with people for its taste. The plant is also visited by bees because it is rich in nectar with a high sugar content.
Creating a bee pasture: the aniseed nettle
The aniseed nettle produces many small flowers that are rich in nectar and poles. The honey bees use this to produce their honey, which smells of aniseed. They appear in spring and only fall off in autumn, making the plant a useful addition to the bee-friendly garden. But it has even more to offer because it is also used as a herb. You can also prepare aromatic teas with aniseed nettle. The annual aniseed nettle reproduces by self-sowing and requires little care. What is particularly important is the location - sunny, shaded or partially shaded and the soil - nutrient-rich and permeable. Otherwise, the scented nettle has no special requirements.
