Almost all of the fruits and vegetables you eat, from apples to broccoli, are pollinated by bees.
Almost all of the fruits and vegetables you eat, from apples to broccoli, are pollinated by bees. Pollination is a vital part of our ecosystem, but beekeepers continue to disclose hive losses every year. There are several other species of pollinators that are also struggling to survive, but thankfully, there is something we can do to help.
Start Planting
Research has proven honeybees are four times more attracted to native plants than their non-native counterparts. When selecting your native plants, consider choosing flora in all shapes and sizes. There are more than 4,000 species of bees in North America, and they range from the size of a pinprick to the length of a quarter. Encourage diversity by planting all kinds of native plants on your property.
Maintain the Bloom
Once you plant your native plants, ensure that they bloom all year round. If you live in an area with multiple seasons, plant flora that will thrive in every temperature. Bumblebees hibernate, but honeybees do not. You can provide pollinating opportunities for honey bees and other species by maintaining your plants throughout the year.
Surround Fruits/Vegetables with Native Plants
If you’re growing tomatoes and other summer veggies, surround your garden with a border of beautiful native flowers. It’s important to attract pollinators that contribute to the control of the garden pests. Surrounding your garden with native plants will help you achieve control.
Avoid Pesticides
Native plants flourish easily in their natural environment and don’t need pesticides or chemicals to thrive. Not only are pesticides necessary for the maintenance of native plants, but they can scare away bees and other pollinators. If you’re trying to protect your plants from deer or rodents, consider using natural methods of repellant.
CONTACT AMERICAN NATIVE PLANTS
Whether you’re looking to restore a local wetland or beautify your property, American Native Plants can provide you with the right plants for the job. With an inventory of over 400,000 native trees, native shrubs, and herbaceous plants consider American Native Plants your one-stop shop for wholesale native plant needs. Peruse our catalog, give us a call, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+!
We look forward to hearing from you!
American Native Plants
7500 Marshy Point Rd
Middle River, MD 21220