How to Help Bees in Your Garden: A Practical Guide

Why Bees Need Our Help

Bee populations in the UK have declined significantly over recent decades. Loss of wildflower meadows (over 97% lost since the 1930s), pesticide use, and habitat fragmentation have all contributed to fewer foraging opportunities for pollinators. Yet, your garden — no matter how small — can become part of the solution. By creating bee-friendly spaces, you not only support biodiversity but also enjoy a healthier, more vibrant garden.

Simple Ways to Help Bees in Your Garden

1. Plant a Diversity of Wildflowers

Beebombs contain 18 species of native wildflowers carefully chosen to provide nectar and pollen from spring through to autumn. By scattering them on bare soil, you’re helping to restore lost habitats.

Here are some highlights from the mix:

  • Cowslip – One of the earliest flowers in the mix (April–May).

  • Red Campion – Blooms from spring well into summer (April–August).

  • Cornflower – Striking blue flowers loved by bees (May–October).

  • Common Poppy – Iconic red flowers that bloom in summer (June–September).

  • Oxeye Daisy – Tall, cheerful blooms from June–September.

  • Common Knapweed – Tough and nectar-rich, flowering July–September.

  • Lady’s Bedstraw – Honey-scented yellow flowers in June–September.

  • Yellow Rattle – Vital meadow species, flowering May–August.

👉 Together, these species (and the others in the Beebombs mix) ensure that bees have food throughout the foraging season.

2. Avoid Pesticides and Chemicals

Many garden pesticides and herbicides harm bees directly or reduce the diversity of plants they rely on. Instead:

  • Tolerate a few “weeds” like clover and dandelion — they’re excellent bee food.

  • Try companion planting to reduce pests naturally.

3. Provide Shelter and Nesting Spots

Bees need more than flowers — they also need safe places to nest.

  • Leave patches of bare soil for solitary ground-nesting bees.

  • Add a simple bee hotel with hollow stems or drilled wood.

  • Let hedges and shrubs grow a little wild to provide cover.

4. Supply Fresh Water

Like all animals, bees need to drink.

  • Place a shallow dish of water with pebbles or corks so bees can land safely.

  • Keep it topped up in dry weather.

5. Let Part of Your Garden Grow Wild

Lawns mown weekly offer little for pollinators. Try:

  • Leaving a section of grass to grow long and flower.

  • Creating a “mini meadow” with Beebombs.

  • Allowing ivy or bramble patches to bloom before trimming.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a big garden to help bees?

No — even a balcony, patio container, or window box can provide valuable forage if you grow wildflowers.

Q: Which wildflowers are in Beebombs?

The mix includes 18 species such as cowslip, red campion, cornflower, poppy, oxeye daisy, knapweed, lady’s bedstraw, and yellow rattle, all native to the UK.

Q: Will bees really visit my garden if I only make small changes?

Yes. Bees are highly mobile and quickly find new food sources. Even a few flowering wildflowers can attract bumblebees and solitary bees.

Summary

Helping bees doesn’t require major effort. By scattering Beebombs, reducing chemical use, offering shelter, and letting parts of your garden grow naturally, you can create a haven for pollinators. Products like Beebombs make it easy for anyone — from city balconies to country gardens — to restore wildflower habitat and support the return of vital pollinator populations.

🌼🐝 Every garden matters. Scatter some seeds, step back, and watch the bees return.

Ben Davidson