When it comes to natural pollinators in the area, it helps to bee kind to bees! Support your local bee population and get natural pollination going in your garden by adding herbs that attract bees to your home’s flora. One way to benefit your local ecosystem is by growing herbs for bees from The Growers Exchange!
Browse our catalog of bee-friendly herbs and have healthy plants ready for transplanting shipped to your doorstep!
What Are the Benefits of Growing Herbs for Bees?
Bees are essential pollinators that play an important role in the ecosystem. They contribute to producing various fruits, vegetables, and nuts – foods that make up a significant portion of the human diet.
Unfortunately, bee populations have been declining worldwide, causing issues with the environment and food production. However, you can do your part in maintaining your local bee population by keeping a healthy garden filled with attractive flowers, herbs, and other plants.
Some advantages of growing bee-friendly herbs include:
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Support Pollinators: Growing bee-friendly herbs helps provide bees with a valuable source of nectar and pollen, assisting them in their essential pollination work.
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Enhance Biodiversity: A diverse garden with bee-attracting herbs will support many pollinators, such as butterflies, beetles, and other insects that help pollinate.
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Improve Your Garden: Many bee-friendly herbs will attract pollinators and repel pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
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Enjoy Fresh, Homegrown Herbs: Growing an herb garden will provide you with a continuous supply of fresh, aromatic, and flavorful herbs for cooking.
What Are the Popular Herbs that Attract Bees?
Our catalog features a wide variety of herbs that attract bees. On top of assisting your local bee population, these herbs are commonly used for cooking, medicinal remedies, aromatics, and many other uses. These include:
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Basil: A culinary favorite, basil adds a delightful flavor to many dishes. Plant basil in your garden to attract bees and other pollinators. Harvest basil leaves throughout the growing season, and try adding some to your pasta sauce or pesto!
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Lavender: Known for its beautiful purple flowers and calming scent, lavender is a perfect addition to any garden. Bees love its nectar-rich flowers. Lavender can be used fresh or dried in various ways, including aromatherapy, teas, and cooking.
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Oregano: Oregano is an essential ingredient in various Mediterranean dishes and a wonderful bee-friendly herb. Its nectar-rich flowers draw bees and other pollinators to your garden while providing flavorful seasoning.
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Thyme: Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb with tiny, pink or white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Its leaves can be used fresh or dried in various dishes, and it's known for its antimicrobial properties.
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Lemon Balm: This herb from the mint family attracts bees with its fragrant, lemon-scented leaves and tiny white flowers. Use lemon balm to make herbal teas or in salad dressings for a hint of citrus flavor.
Caring For Your Outdoor Herb Garden
When growing herbs outdoors, consider the following steps to ensure a thriving garden:
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Choose the Location: Most herbs thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Consider planting herbs close to your kitchen for easy access when cooking.
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Transplanting: Herbs flourish in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Add organic compost to improve soil texture and fertility.
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Water: Outdoor herbs typically require more frequent watering than indoor ones, but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
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Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to support healthy growth and abundant yields.
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Mulch: Apply mulch around the base of your herbs to help maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Pest Control: Encourage natural predators, like ladybugs and lacewings, to help keep pests in check. Use organic pest controls, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil, when needed.
Harvesting Your Herbs for Bees
The best time to harvest herbs is in the early morning when their essential oil content is the highest. This will give you the most flavor and aroma from your herbs. Some tips to maximize your herbs:
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Harvest Regularly: Regular harvesting encourages new growth and provides a continuous supply of fresh herbs. It also helps prevent plants for bees from becoming too woody or going to seed, which makes them less attractive to bees.
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Use Sharp Tools: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts and minimize damage to the plant.
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Dry or Freeze Your Harvest: If you cannot use your harvested herbs right away, consider drying or freezing them to preserve their flavor and nutritional benefits. Drying works best for herbs with low moisture content such as thyme and oregano. Freezing is ideal for herbs with higher moisture content, such as basil.
Get Your Garden Abuzz with The Growers Exchange
Start your fresh herb collection and be responsible for fostering a healthy local bee population. Shop for bee-friendly herbs today and get the best deals for healthy, organically-raised herbs.
