Producing An Herb Garden To Help The Bees: What To Choose And How To Use What You Grow
By ChristyErickson / info@savingourbees.org
If you are worried about the population struggles many species of bees are experiencing right now, find some space to start growing herbs so you can provide some help to these important insects. Bees are vital to the growth of many crops we rely on for food and as experts work to counter recent population declines, you can step in and do your part in helping them survive.
Build your bee garden around herbs
Bees love all sorts of plants and there are plenty of options to choose from when you want to grow a pollinator-friendly garden. However, focusing on herbs is a great place to start. Many herbs are quick, economical, and easy to grow, providing a big payoff with minimal effort and expense. They are also versatile enough to grow in either a patch of your yard or in containers if you only have a small space available.
Not only are herbs easy and cheap to plant, but they can be used in many ways once they have grown. Fresh herbs add a tasty flair to dishes in the kitchen and there are many homeopathic medicinal uses for them as well. If you want to use fresh herbs more often but you’re hesitant due to how expensive they can be at the store, you might want to just start growing them yourself at home.
Load up on bee-friendly herbs to amp up your cooking
Plenty of bee-friendly herbs are popular in the kitchen. Chives are a great addition to any pollinator garden and they are quite versatile in cooking. Add them to salads or toss them on top of dishes as they finish cooking for some added zing and help the bees by letting them flower to provide a source of food.
Bees also love oregano and marjoram. Add these to Italian and Mediterranean dishes, using these herbs to zing up your meat dishes, pasta sauces, bruschetta, bread dough, pizza, and even chili or vegetable dishes. Sage, rosemary, and thyme are additional herb choices that attract bees and can be used in multiple ways in your cooking.
Herbs can provide medicinal help
Many people turn to herbs for their medicinal uses. As Food Freedom explains, they may be beneficial to use with digestion, insomnia, minor cuts, pain, anxiety, inflammation, and colds. Grow coneflowers to have access to Echinacea for its immune-boosting properties and try chamomile for insomnia, inflammation, tension, and digestion issues. Yarrow and lemon balm are additional options that can provide natural support for your health.
When it comes to multipurpose herbs for your bee garden, you may want to start with mint. On the medicinal side, peppermint and spearmint may aid with nausea, stomach upset, tension, and colds. Pioneer Thinking suggests using mint when making tea, vegetables, rice, or salad dressings, and it is popular in many Middle Eastern dishes too.
Lavender has been a go-to for its homeopathic qualities for years, but it is becoming popular in cooking as well. This herb is frequently used for its antiseptic properties and is often incorporated into skincare and spa products. People also utilize this herb for sunburn, rash relief, sleep, and relaxation. In terms of uses in the kitchen, Bon Appetit explains that food-grade lavender can be used in cookies, breads, tea, lemonade, and even meat dishes.
People who are looking for easy and useful plants to grow in a bee garden may want to focus on herbs. There are many types of herbs that are excellent at attracting these essential pollinators and that can then be used in the kitchen or in medicinal ways. Whether you’re looking to reduce tension, sleep better, or jazz up your sauces, meat dishes, and vegetables, growing your own herbs can provide quick options and support struggling bee populations at the same time.
[Photo via Pixabay]