Go Tell The Bees – What Are Some Of Their Favourite Sources Of Food?
Flowers
- Lavender: Known for its fragrace, attracts many bees with its rich nectar.
- Sunflowers: Bright and large, offering an abundance of nectar – appealing to honey bees and us.
- Echinacea (Coneflower): With its vibrant petals, echinacea are not only beautiful, but also a valuable food source for bees.
- Clovers (White and Red): Both types of clover produce ample nectar, making them favourites among honey bees.
- Zinnias: These colorful flowers thrive throughout the summer and are excellent at attracting bees.
Herbs
- Basil: When they flower, basil create impressive flowers, drawing in a host of bees in their numbers.
- Thyme: This herb produces tiny flowers rich in nectar and very appealing to honey bees.
- Sage: With its lovely purple flowers, sage is another herb honey bees particularly love.
- Mint: Once this herb flowers, it becomes a magnet for honey bees looking for nectar.
By planting a variety of these flowers and herbs, you can create a bee-friendly garden supporting their foraging.
Here are some additional food sources:
Trees and Shrubs
- Fruit Trees: Apple, cherry, and peach trees produce fragrant blossoms attracting bees.
- Willow: In Spring, the early blooming willow tree provides essential pollen and nectar.
- Maple: Red maple trees bloom early in the season, offering nectar for bees.
Wildflowers
- Bee Balm (Monarda): This wildflower not only attracts bees but also hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Black-eyed Susan: Known for their striking yellow petals, these flowers are a favorite among honey bees.
- Asters: Blooming in late summer and fall, asters provide a vital food source as other flowers fade.
Other Plants
- Coriander (Cilantro): When allowed to flower, cilantro can be very attractive to bees.
- Fennel: Similar to coriander, when bolting, fennel flowers attract many pollinators.
- Sweet Clover: This legume produces fragrant flowers that are very appealing to honey bees.
Just A Few Vegetables
- Pumpkin and Squash Plants: These plants have large, showy flowers attracting bees.
- Cucumbers: The blooms of cucumber plants are also a good food source for honey bees..