Pollinators like bees are essential to our ecosystems and our food supply. Yet in recent decades, bee populations have been declining at alarming rates due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease.
Without bees, the plants we rely on for fruits, vegetables, nuts, and flowers would struggle to survive.
The good news is that you can help—right in your own backyard! By creating a bee-friendly garden, you provide a safe haven for bees to feed, nest, and thrive.
Whether you have a large yard, a small balcony, or a few pots on a patio, every pollinator-friendly plant you grow contributes to the survival of bees and other beneficial insects.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to create a bee garden, what to plant, and how to maintain a space that supports these vital creatures all season long.
Why Bees Are So Important
Bees are nature’s most efficient pollinators. They transfer pollen from flower to flower as they collect nectar, fertilizing plants and helping them produce seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
Key roles of bees in our ecosystem:
Pollinate 70% of the crops that feed 90% of the world’s population
Support the growth of plants that provide food and shelter for other wildlife
Maintain healthy biodiversity and plant reproduction
Boost crop yields and garden productivity
Without bees, we’d face serious food shortages and a drastic decline in natural ecosystems.
The Problem: Why Bee Populations Are Declining
Several human-driven factors have led to the global decline of bee species, including:
Pesticide use (especially neonicotinoids)
Loss of wild habitats due to urbanization and agriculture
Climate change, which disrupts flowering times and weather patterns
Diseases and parasites like the Varroa mite
Monoculture farming, which reduces plant diversity and natural food sources
By creating a garden designed to attract and sustain bees, you help offset these challenges and become part of the solution.
How to Create a Bee-Friendly Garden in 7 Steps
Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading your current garden, these simple steps will help you build a space that bees will love and return to season after season.
1. Plant a Variety of Bee-Friendly Flowers
Bees are attracted to flowers rich in nectar and pollen, and the more variety you have, the more species you’ll support.
Tips:
Choose native plants whenever possible — they are adapted to your region and best support local bees.
Select flowers of various shapes and colors to attract different types of pollinators.
Include plants that bloom in early spring, summer, and late fall to provide food throughout the growing season.
Bees prefer blue, purple, yellow, and white flowers.
Great bee-friendly plants include:
Lavender
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Bee balm (Monarda)
Black-eyed Susan
Salvia
Borage
Thyme
Yarrow
Calendula
Goldenrod
Sunflowers
Crocus (early spring)
Asters (late fall)
2. Avoid Pesticides and Chemicals
Pesticides—especially neonicotinoids—are one of the biggest threats to bee health. Even “natural” or “organic” products can be harmful to pollinators.
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