Most gardeners are aware of the crisis currently blooming with the bee population where bees are dying off at alarming rates. This could begin to wreak havoc on the food population around the world and researchers are scrambling to try to pinpoint the exact causes of this crisis. Answers are still rather elusive when it comes to fixing the situation, but home gardeners can step up and make a difference with some easy changes to their gardens.

Bees are central to growing dozens of different types of crops

NBC News explains that bees are central to pollinating many of our flowering food crops. In fact, bees are connected to approximately one out of every three bites of food that people in the United States eat. They help dozens of different types of crops flourish, including foods like celery, broccoli, cherries, melons, and strawberries. Not only are bees essential for foods that consumers eat directly, but they pollinate crops like alfalfa that cattle eat too.

Not all scientists and researchers agree on the reasons behind the bee population crisis or how much it will ultimately impact food availability and pricing at the grocery stores. However, everybody does seem to agree that this is a serious concern and there are some simple ways that home gardeners can get involved and help the bees. As the Honey Bee Conservancy points out, you don’t have to have a big yard or be a seasoned gardener to help.

Gardens both big and small can help the bee population rebuild

If you can’t put together a large home garden, try creating an urban garden. National Geographic points out that there are more than 4,000 different species of bees in North America alone, with 20,000 around the world. You cannot please every type of bee with your garden, but incorporating a variety of native plants in varying colors and shapes can be a great start.

Remember that bees are active across many months of the year, so vary up your plant choices to keep things popping in different months. Not only are blooming flowers important, but trees and shrubs matter too. In addition, many types of bees love to have bare ground available where they can dig and nest, so don’t throw mulch over everything in the garden. You may also want to put up a bee hotel or bee block to provide some habitat space.

Consider alternatives to toxic pesticides

Many experts believe that pesticides play a significant role in the declining bee population. To combat that, Off the Grid News notes that many organic gardeners take a holistic approach to dealing with garden pests. For example, corn gluten and garlic may be options worth considering, while floating row covers or insect traps can reduce issues too. Inviting ladybugs and other beneficial insects may be beneficial, and keeping the weeds and extra grasses out reduces unwanted guests too.

The Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment via UMass Amherst details that for those gardeners who do use pesticides, it helps to avoid treating plants that are in bloom. In addition, you may want to aim for the late evening, overnight, or early morning to apply these so you can avoid actively foraging bees.

Variety provides plenty of opportunity for the bee population

When choosing plants for your garden, incorporate a variety of blooming plants and make sure to add in shrubs and trees. Many bees love blossoms that are flat or shallow like those with zinnias, coneflowers, and daisies. You don’t have to limit yourself to just annuals or perennials, as having a combination is helpful, and don’t forget that bees need help like this throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

Battling the declining bee population will take changes on multiple fronts in order to be successful. As researchers evaluate how the food population will be impacted, concerned everyday people can help the bees by working on their own gardens and incorporating strategies and plants that will help bees to thrive. Avoiding toxic pesticides is a great start, and planting a variety of flowers to cover different colors, bloom times, and types of blossoms can make a big difference too.

[Image via Pixabay]