How to Create a Bee Garden Sanctuary

One of the best ways to help honey bees is to give them a safe environment to explore and forage for food. An ideal bee sanctuary has plenty of vegetation, a safe and clean water source, and no harmful pesticides to contaminate the plants they pollinate. Whether you’re creating a prime neighborhood for your own colonies or you just want to help out nearby bee populations, check out our guide for how to create a bee garden sanctuary.

PLANT FLOWERS

Of course, flowers are essential to any bee garden or sanctuary. Honey bees need access to nectar- and pollen-rich vegetation. Do some research on what flowers are the most beneficial to your local bee population. Single-bloom flowers such as marigolds and daisies provide more nectar than plants with multiple blossoms. It’s also a good idea to choose plants that flower in a range of seasons so that your bees will have plenty of food from early spring until the fall.

INCLUDE A WATER SOURCE

As with all living things, honey bees need water to stay hydrated. Make sure your water source is shallow enough that these tiny creatures can land safely without fear of drowning. A shallow dish or tray full of water works perfectly. Be sure to place rocks, twigs, or other objects in the water so that your bees have a safe place to land and rest while they drink. If you really want to make your bee bath special, place marbles or other colorful accessories in the water for them to rest on.

ELIMINATE PESTICIDES

Did you know that pesticides play a huge role in declining bee populations? Pesticides—especially neonicotinoid pesticides—affect a colony over time, making them weaker and threatening the health of the queen. Make sure the plants in your bee sanctuary are pesticide-free so that your local honey bees can explore and forage without coming into contact with harmful chemicals.

Bee gardens and sanctuaries are essential to preserving bees’ natural habitats. Of course, knowing how to create a bee garden sanctuary isn’t the only way to help honey bees. You can also help your local bee population by becoming a beekeeper. You can purchase bee boxes for sale as well as any other equipment you need to get started at Mann Lake.

Do you keep a bee garden in your yard or community? What advice do you have? Share it with your fellow bee-lovers in the comments!