Nearly 35 percent of the food we eat would not exist without pollinators. The number of native insects that used to handle all our pollination needs has been drastically reduced because of insecticides, habitat destruction, and larger industrial farms. To answer these problems, beekeepers lease hives to farmers to keep their crops – and our food supply – going. 

But, beekeepers are facing significant losses in their bee populations due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and the culprits that affect other pollinators. In fact, more than 25 percent of managed honey bees in the U.S. have disappeared since 1990. Interestingly enough, organic bee colonies that are not subjected to chemicals or genetically modified crops (GMOs) do not experience CCD. Now, it is up to all of us to support the bees and rebuild their population by planting bee-friendly gardens. The best way to support and protect bees is to talk to local farmers to be sure you get your garden right. The good news? Your chronic pain can’t and won’t stop you.

1. Local Farmers are Available at Markets to Offer Advice

It is not unusual to find local farmers with their produce, herbs, and flowers at farmers markets once or twice a week. And, many are happy to offer gardening advice and even demonstrations at these events. After all, they appreciate that homeowners are willing to take steps to support the local bee populations by maintaining bee-friendly landscapes and gardens. 

Meeting and talking to local farmers at markets is the best way to get first-hand knowledge about supporting and protecting bees. You’ll also learn where your food comes from, how to support local farms, and the reason behind their warm smile. Gardening touts mood-boosting benefits, decreases your risk of developing dementia, and serves as a low-impact form of exercise, improving strength and flexibility. Even those with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia can adapt gardening to meet their needs. Supporting the bees, improving your health, and a plate of fresh produce–no wonder that smile is contagious.

2. Local Farmers Rely on Pollinators for Their Crops to Flourish

Local farmers cannot produce crops without pollinators. Everything from almonds to zucchini needs pollinators and beneficial insects to help them grow and flourish. To support local farmers and protect pollinators so our food supply does not diminish, you should strive to plant a varied garden and outdoor space to attract as many native pollinators and bees as possible. 

If you are new to gardening, local farmers can help you determine which flowers, edible plants, flowering hedges, herbs, and fruit trees will grow best in your area. You should plant flowers of different sizes, types, and colors and allow your flowering shrubs and herbs to bloom. The more diverse your plants, the more diverse the pollinators in the area will become, and the better the chances local crops will thrive. Farmers will also be able to help you adapt your gardening endeavor to ease your chronic pain. Ask about raised beds, vertical gardening, and gardening in pots.

3. Local Farmers Understand Native Plants

Farmers are also a great resource for learning about the plants native to your area. Native plants occur naturally in the regions in which they evolved, and local birds and insects rely on them for survival. Homeowners who select native plants find that they require little maintenance yet produce beautiful, colorful flowers all season long. Native plants also do not require the same amounts of fertilizer, chemical pesticides, and herbicides that exotic plants do, so planting them creates a healthier outdoor space for your family and protects bees from toxins at the same time.

Another benefit of using native plants is they already are adapted to the environment in which you live. For example, if you live in Oklahoma City, you know the lengths the city goes to, to promote water conservation. Native plants in this region are drought-tolerant and grow much better than exotic plants, which don’t support pollinators as well as native plants do anyway.

If you want to plant a garden or create an outdoor space to protect bees and other pollinators, you should talk to local farmers at farmers markets. They can give you advice about starting a bee-friendly garden, guide you to planting flowers and other plants that will attract the most pollinators, and help you select native plants that will grow well and support pollinators at the same time.
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