Use code TWOPEAS to get $150 off a Gardyn and membership here.

Attracting Bees to Your Greenhouse – Top 9 Things You Should Know!

Bees are a wonderful creation of nature that plays a vital role in pollinating plants. A thriving bee population in your greenhouse can also be a pleasing and enjoyable experience for any nature enthusiast. They can increase your crop yield at various times!

Similarly, without these busy pollinators, your plants won’t thrive, and your garden won’t be as abundant as possible. So, how can you attract and encourage them to pay a visit to your greenhouse?

Don’t worry; we will list the key things you need to do.

From planting bee-friendly flowers to providing a water source and shelter, you can do several things to make your greenhouse a buzzing paradise for these important pollinators!

Let’s look at nine essential tips and tricks for attracting bees to your greenhouse and promoting healthy plant pollination. And as a bonus, we have also noted precautions to follow. After all, safety always comes first!

Tip 1: Building a Beehive

Bees need shelter just like any other creature. And by providing a place for bees to rest and nest, you can make your greenhouse even more appealing. 

After all, everyone wants to reside in a safe and comfortable home. 

The bees are no different. And this is precisely what a beehive is for bees; a safe place to rest and store their food. Plus, having a beehive in your greenhouse can help with pollination, essential for your plants’ overall growth and health.

Don’t worry; building a beehive comes with a lot of fun and is a rewarding project that you will love to work on. Rest assured, they are pretty simple if you need to learn how to start a beehive.  

You just need to know the exact techniques to do so. And once you have your beehive set up, the bees will be automatically drawn to it in no time. 

Tip 2: Choose the Right Location

The location of your greenhouse can also play a significant role in attracting bees. You will want to place your greenhouse in an area with plenty of sunlight and sheltered from strong winds. 

After all, bees need warmth to fly and forage, so a sunny location can help to attract them to your greenhouse.

Avoid placing your bee-friendly environment near areas with heavy foot traffic, as this can stress the bees and cause them to become agitated. 

Consider the surrounding environment, as bees are likelier to visit your greenhouse with plenty of flowers. Select a spot with direct sunlight and easy access to food and water sources.

Tip 3: Attract the Right Bee Species

Not all bee species are the same when it comes to pollination. And some can be pretty aggressive and dangerous. So, when attracting bees to your greenhouse, it’s essential to consider which bee species you want to attract. 

Different types of bees have other preferences in terms of nesting and foraging. Therefore, make sure to conduct some research to find out which species are native to your area and which ones are most likely to thrive in your greenhouse environment. So you can get your desired result. 

For example, some species of bees are solitary and prefer to nest in small holes in wood or soil, while others are social and live in hives. 

On the other hand, some bees are generalists and will forage on various plants, while others are specialists and prefer to feed on particular types of flowers.

Once you know which bee species you are targeting, you can take the necessary steps to create an environment that meets their needs. 

Honeybees, bumblebees, and mason bees are great options for pollinating your garden without causing harm. However, if you want bees for honey, only honeybees will give you that.

Tip 4: Choosing and Growing Bee-friendly Plants 

Next up, we have to choose and grow bee-friendly plants. It is another important and influential factor in attracting bees to your greenhouse. 

As we all know, bees are naturally attracted to various flowers, but some plants are more bee-friendly than others.

So, when choosing plants for your greenhouse, look for ones with vibrant colors, a strong fragrance, and a generous supply of nectar and pollen. 

Our dear bees love colorful and scented things more than anything else! So, if you can place something like this in your greenhouse, they cannot resist but come in.

Some great bee-friendly plants include lavender, sunflowers, bee balm, aster, zinnias, marigolds, clover, and mint. Additionally, plant various flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year. So there is always something in bloom for the bees to feed on. 

Tip 5: Releasing the Bees!

Once your beehive is set up, and your bee-friendly plants grow, it’s time to introduce some bees! 

Depending on your goals and preferences, there are a few ways to do this. One option is to purchase a package of bees or a nucleus colony from a reputable supplier. These bees typically arrive in a box or cage and can be gently released into your greenhouse. 

Another great option is to attract wild bees to your greenhouse by providing a hospitable environment and food sources. This can take more time and patience but can be a rewarding way to create a natural and sustainable ecosystem.

When releasing bees into your greenhouse, it’s essential to do so properly and cautiously. After all, they are incredibly delicate creatures and can quickly become stressed or injured. 

So, follow any instructions your bee supplier provides and handle the bees as lightly as possible. 

However, one crucial point to note is that while releasing the bees, make sure to do so when the weather is mild, and there is plenty of sunlight. One of the many reasons behind this is bees cannot handle wet weather, no matter what.

Last, take a deep breath, release your bees, and enjoy the benefits of having these fantastic pollinators in your greenhouse!

Tip 6: Providing a Water Source

Bees need water to survive, just like any other living creature. 

Besides regulating their hives’ temperature to dilute honey, they need water for several purposes. And by providing a water source for bees, you can make your greenhouse a more hospitable plant for bees to live and work.

This can be as simple as placing a shallow dish or bowl filled with clean and fresh water near your plants. Just make sure to change the water regularly to prevent it from becoming stagnant or contaminated. Otherwise, several kinds of bacteria and mosquitoes will make it their home!

Consider adding rocks or marbles to the water source to provide a landing area for the bees to perch while they drink. Ensure the water source is not too deep, as bees can drown in the deep waters!

Tip 7: Avoiding Pesticides

Using pesticides to keep pests and bugs out of your greenhouse may be tempting, but it’s equally important to remember that these chemicals can also harm the bees you are trying to attract. 

Bees are susceptible to pesticides, and exposure to them can be fatal and they can either kill or weaken them – making it harder to pollute your plants. 

And not to mention, these chemicals can be toxic to bees and other beneficial insects – causing long-term harm to your greenhouse environment.

So, why take the risk when you have other options? 

Therefore, instead of resorting to pesticides, consider using natural pest control methods, such as introducing ladybugs or lacewings into your greenhouse or using insecticidal soaps or neem oil. 

These methods are pretty effective in controlling pests naturally and thus help keep pests at bay without harming your bee population.

Tip 8: Planting a Bee Garden Outside 

While your greenhouse may provide an excellent environment for bees to thrive, remember the importance of a bee garden outside. 

Planting flowers and other plants attractive to bees can help create a steady food source. This, in turn, will encourage them to visit your greenhouse more often. 

Some great plants include lavender, bee balm, sunflowers, echinacea, and many more. Another crucial point to note is you must pick plants that bloom at different times throughout the year so that there is always something in bloom for the bees to feed on. 

Furthermore, you can also create nesting sites for bees by providing them with bee houses or leaving bare patches of soil for ground-nesting bees. 

Creating a welcoming environment for bees inside and outside your greenhouse can ensure a healthy and thriving bee population.

Tip 9: Become a Beekeeper

If you want to take your love for bees to the next level, why not become a beekeeper? It is indeed an excellent option!

This will allow you to care for your bees and ensure a steady supply of pollinators for your greenhouse. And not to forget, you can even harvest honey and beeswax – which can be later used for various purposes. 

However, it’s important to note that beekeeping requires adequate skill and expertise, the proper equipment, and safety precautions. So make sure to fact-check and educate yourself thoroughly before taking the plunge. 

You can either start by joining local beekeeping associations or taking courses on beekeeping to learn more. If needed, you can also seek guidance from experienced beekeepers. 

Lastly, beekeeping may only be feasible or legal in some areas, so check local regulations before starting a colony. 

Some Important Precautions to Take When Attracting Bees

While attracting bees to your greenhouse can be incredibly beneficial, it’s essential to take some precautions to ensure the safety of both yourself and the bees.

Here are a few precautions to keep in mind:

Wear Protective Clothing

When working with bees, protecting yourself from potential stings is essential. And if you or anyone around you is allergic to bee stings, take extra precautions. 

For instance, wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, a bee suit, a veil, and gloves. This will help keep you safe and prevent unnecessary stress for the bees. Plus, consider having an epinephrine auto-injector in case of an emergency allergic reaction.

Never Make the Mistake of Disturbing the Beehives/Nests

Disturbing a bee hive or nest can be extremely dangerous and harmful to the bees. They have the instinct to feel and become super defensive and aggressive if they feel the slightest threat – resulting in a sting attack.

Therefore, even by mistake, only attempt to move or disrupt a hive with the proper knowledge and types of equipment to work on. 

And if you are unsure how to handle a hive or nest, seek the help of a professional beekeeper or pest control expert. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Clean Up Any Food Residues

Bees are naturally attracted to anything sweet and sugary foods. And leaving food or drinks out can attract them and make them more likely to sting. So, make sure to clean up any food residues around the greenhouse. 

This can help prevent unwanted bee activity and reduce the risk of attracting pests and insects.

Never Intrude On Their Space

Lastly, be respectful of the bees and their space. While it may be tempting to get up close to observe them, remember that they can become easily agitated and stressed when their area is invaded. 

So avoid making sudden movements or loud noises when working with bees, and never attempt to touch or handle them without proper training and equipment.

Remember, they are also living creatures and deserve to be treated with equal care and respect. Therefore, if you encounter a bee, remain calm and still – usually allowing it to fly away independently.

Conclusion 

Attracting bees to your greenhouse is a win-win situation. Your plants will be healthier and more productive, and you will do your part to support these essential pollinators. 

Just follow these nine tips, and you will be all good to create a welcoming environment for these beautiful creatures of nature. 

Remember, bees are essential for your garden and our entire ecosystem. So, let’s all raise a glass of sweet, delicious honey to the hardworking bees of the world!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our Pea Pod!

Receive top indoor gardening and hydroponics tips directly to your inbox.

    © 2023 Copyright Two Peas In A Condo