Beneficial Insects
Native Bees: The Forgotten 4,000
We all know the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) because of its amazing ability to produce that golden liquid, honey. But, did you realize that there are more than 4,000 species of bees which are native to the United States? Native bees vary tremendously in size, color, habitat, nest types, how they feed their larvae, etc. Native bees also have…
Read MoreMultiple Duty Native Plants: The EcoBeneficial Gardener’s Secret Weapon
It’s that time of year when we start to think about spring planting. How do you choose the best plants to improve the ecosystem in your own yard? Choosing native plants which are “environmental workhorses” will not only help improve your ecosystem, but will also reward you with more birds, butterflies, beneficial insects and other critters in your yard. When…
Read MoreHigh-Value Pollen Sources for Honey Bees: Get Planting!
For honey bees, pollen is essential for brood-rearing, and they need a lot of it: an average colony collects 50 to 125 pounds per year. Pollen is honey bees’ main source of protein, lipids, vitamins and minerals. They need pollen with 20% protein; 10 of the amino acids in pollen protein are essential to honey bee development. Not all plants…
Read MoreCritical Early Trees and Shrubs for Bees
In very the early spring, trees and shrubs with early blooms are critical for honey bees and our native bees. Some provide both nectar and pollen, and some only offer pollen. As the growing season progresses, more resources become available to bees, but you can help them out in early spring by planting some early blooming native trees and shrubs. …
Read MoreAnother Challenge to Honey Bees – You Can Help!
Backyard beekeeping has risen dramatically in the U.S. Unfortunately, in many areas there just aren’t enough nectar and pollen plants to go around to feed all the hungry honey bees. The result: starving honey bees or bees that seek out any sugary substance close at hand, in order to survive. You may have heard about the red honey that was…
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