Bees are more than just a pleasant hum in the garden; they’re essential partners in growing a productive vegetable patch - as any small farmer knows.
From cucumbers and melons to squash and pumpkins, many of our favourite crops rely on bees for pollination. Even self-pollinating plants like tomatoes and peppers benefit from bee visits, as the vibration of their wings can increase fruit set and yield.
But here’s the catch: most fruit and vegetable flowers are only open for a single day.
To ensure successful pollination, they often need multiple bee visits in that short window. So, how can small-scale growers and home gardeners encourage more bees to stop by?
The first step is to offer a steady supply of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season.
This means planting a diverse mix of flowers that bloom from early spring to late fall. Grouping flowers in clusters makes them easier for bees to find, and interplanting them among your vegetables helps ensure the pollinators are right where you need them.
Annuals like cosmos, marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias are excellent choices, while perennials such as coneflower, blazing star, rudbeckia, sedum, and asters provide reliable blooms year after year. Herbs are another great option; basil, chives, thyme, sage, borage, and bee balm all attract bees when allowed to flower.
Bees also need water, especially during hot summer days.
A shallow dish filled with fresh water and a few pebbles or twigs gives them a safe place to land and drink. Birdbaths work well too, as long as the water is shallow and changed regularly.
Shelter is another important consideration.
Not all bees live in hives; many native bees are solitary and nest in small holes or bare ground. You can support them by installing bee houses with hollow tubes for nesting and leaving a patch of dry, undisturbed soil for ground-nesting species.
Avoid excessive tilling or mulching in these areas to keep their habitat intact.
Finally, it’s important to garden with care.
Pesticides can be harmful to bees, even those labeled as organic. Always identify pests before spraying and opt for bee-safe treatments like neem oil or spinosad. Apply them in the evening when bees are less active and avoid spraying flowers directly.
By creating a welcoming environment for bees, you’re not just helping pollinators—you’re investing in the health and productivity of your garden.
A little planning goes a long way in turning your vegetable patch into a buzzing, blooming haven.