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Sweet invitation to pollinator bees
The best pollinators in our garden are not those that look amazing, but those that are simple and useful — and delicious, too. 🌿 Basil and borage usually grow quietly in herb beds or corners, but when they bloom, the bees flock to them. So if you are looking for how to attract bees naturally and attract bees to your garden, these two herbs are a great natural way of enhancing the health of your garden.
Basil and Borage: the best herbs for pollinators
Bees, too, have their favorite flowers, with basil and borage in the highest tier. Both of these plants are not only ones that attract bees, but can also be termed as bee-friendly garden plants:
Pollinator Attractor Basil
- The flower’s fetor, strong through the ages, amply attracts the bee.
- Different varieties like Thai basil, lemon basil, etc. give different smells and flowering patterns, which adds variety to how to grow basil for bees.
- Basil flowers from summer onwards until its blooms.
Pollinator Attractor Borage
- Borage, or “Bee Bread,” is especially attractive to bumblebees and solitary native bees.
- Indigo, star-shaped flowers pour nectar for borage up to five times daily, thus enticing bees to keep visiting.
- Borage seeds themselves lightly in the following season, and hence, you need not sow as often.
The continuous blooming nature of both these plants makes them the best herbs for pollinators, thus increasing the activity of bees in your garden while you are growing borage for pollinators.
When to Plant and Where
Choosing the right time and location is what will keep the bees visiting your garden:
When to Plant
- Basil: 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, sow seeds or place cuttings. Direct sow after the last snowmelt. Flowering period: Late spring to falling snow.
- Borage: For 2 to 4 weeks before the last snowmelt, sow borage seeds, or direct sow after winter. Flowering period: Early summer to falling snow.
To create a longer bloom window, try sowing every few weeks.
Where to Plant
- Plant bee-friendly garden plants near fruits such as cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes and watermelons to help attract bees to the garden as well.
- Integrate into herb beds or flower borders to add beauty and usability.
Also, plant near compost piles or paths through the garden; these plants can tolerate poor soil.
Pollinator Garden Tips
Some of the best ways to attract bees naturally are:
- Also, create a mixed nectar buffet of herbs that lure bees, such as zinnia, calendula or cosmos, to plant borage for pollinators.
Other Companion Plants
- Evening primrose
- Lavender
- Marigold
- Sunflower
These companions make your garden a rich musical landscape, where a variety of bee-friendly garden plants are maintained.
Summary: Why are basil and borage the best?
- easy to grow
- continuous blooms
- Supports native bees
- edible & medicinal
- Borage self-seeds while basil has limited regeneration (⚠️)
- deters pests
By planting basil and borage in your garden, you capitalize on best practices for attracting bees to the garden, plants that attract bees, and growing basil for bees. The health of the bees will be directly reflected in the quality of your fruit and flowers.
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Note: This guide is based on some generic gardening experience. Please consult your local garden expert for particulars regarding your situation.
FAQs
Q1. Why should I attract bees to my garden?
A: Bees help pollinate fruits, vegetables, and flowers, improving plant health, crop yield, and overall garden productivity.
Q2. How does basil attract bees?
A: Basil produces small, fragrant flowers that bees love. Letting basil flower increases bee visits to your garden.
Q3. What makes borage effective for attracting bees?
A: Borage has star-shaped blue flowers rich in nectar, which are especially attractive to honeybees and bumblebees.
