How can I attract more bees?

Plant native flowers to attract bees. Introducing several varieties can widen the flowering window and attract them to your property for the entire Spring and Fall. Basic perennials like Rudbeckia Hirta, and purple Echinacea are great economical options that you can sow hundreds of from seed. You’ll find both of these and many more in the seed mix packets distributed each year by FOTB.ca.

How can I attract more butterflies?

Butterflies are attracted to flowers that make it easy for them to land and feast. Popular choices include native host plants like milkweed, and showy annuals like zinnias and sunflowers. Growing perennials like New England Asters provide attractive nectar sources which helps sustain the transient visitors. Having more places of your property in a “natural” state will produce more natural spots for the overwintering insects to hide.

For example, most butterflies won’t seek refuge in a lawn, but they would love a pile of leaves for the winter! Different butterflies prefer different flowers, so do your research! For example, the partridge pea is a great self sowing annual that attracts several small butterflies, like the “Little Yellow” which will lay eggs upon it for its caterpillar offspring to enjoy.

Some flowers bloom and produce more fragrance during the evening and night. These plants will welcome all sorts of moths, like the hawk moth!

How to reduce pesticide usage?

Use organic pest control methods, and avoid spraying at all costs. If you must spray a pesticide, aim to apply it during the night to reduce pollinator cross-contact. Ideally, you can apply a fast acting pesticide like a pyrethrin directly to the offending insects and rinse it off the plant shortly after with a misting of water. Pyrethrin does not stay on plant surfaces for long, but trace amounts can cause trouble for many insects. A good rule is to never spray a flowering plant especially during the day.

Products containing pesticides like spinosad and imidacloprid are commonly purchased and brought over the US-Canada border, and should never be sprayed on flowering plants. Doing so is an ecologically bankrupt activity and goes against all best practices. For example, if you treat roses with either, all bees and butterflies will die if they consume anything from the plant while the pesticide is present.

What is companion planting, and how can it benefit my garden?

Companion planting involves growing certain plants together to deter pests, improve growth, or enhance flavor. For example, marigolds are found to repel some harmful insects, and planting basil near tomatoes is known to improve their flavor.

For bees and butterflies, it’s a great idea to have a broad variety of flowering plants to ensure different sources of pollen and nectar remain available throughout the year. Spring crocus provide early treats, but a massive branching sunflower can feed hundreds of visitors for weeks!

I am a grower. Can I be a Friend of the Bees?

Most certainly, and we’d love to have you on board. Please utilize the contact form below to start your friendship!