Loss of healthy food and habitat are largely responsible for the decline of the bee. Here's a few simple steps to help:
1. Grow a diverse selection of nectar and pollen producing plants.
2. Native plants are ideal. Garden plants such as heirloom herbs and perennials are also good options.
3. Include a variety of sizes, shapes and bloom times creating overlap throughout the growing season. Even small patches are helpful.
4. Use Non-GMO seeds and plants that are not treated with pesticides and neonicotinoid insecticides, which can be lethal to bees.
5. Avoid pesticide, insecticide and herbicide use in your garden.
A partial list of some of the bees favorite plants:
Aster, Beebalm, Blazing Star, Cup Plant, Wild Indigo, Fireweed, Goldenrod, Giant Hyssop, Ironweed, Joe Pye Weed, Leadplant, Lobelia, Lupine, Milkweed, New Jersey Tea, Obedient Plant, Penstemon, Prairie Clover, Purple Coneflower, Rattlesnake Master, Spiderwort, Steeplebush, Sunflower, Willow, Basil, Borage, Catmint, Cosmos, Lavender, Oregano, Rosemary, Russian Sage, Spearmint, Squill, Cucumbers, Squash, Pumpkin, Berries.
