By Aleta Damm
Honey bees are experiencing habitat loss at an astounding rate. There are many factors that contribute to this. The pesticides that we spray on our lawns and flower beds does just what they are intended to. They keep those pesky bugs and insects away. The result is a loss of a safe habitat and the death of bees and other pollinators. Did you know that warmer temperatures in the winter are linked to a higher loss of bees? That is right, less snow and warmer winters can cause a colony to become depleted. It can also cause brooding in the spring to start earlier resulting in a higher mortality rate of the young and less bees for pollinating in the summer.
Pollinator decline causes an impact on every single person. Less pollinators means less food production. Not only do they impact the quantity of food but they also impact the quality and flavor. They play an intricate role in the health of an ecosystem, and play a critical role in food insecurity.
When planting your garden consider planting a pollinator garden either close by or around the perimeter of your garden. This simple practice will increase your vegetable yields as well as produce beautiful flowers for you to cut for arrangements throughout the summer and into the fall.
For the last two years my sister has had a problem with her zucchini and squash pollinating. These plants are unique in that they have male and female flowers. The female flowers go on to produce the fruit. You can help your plants when you lack pollinators. Using a Q-tip, rub the tip onto the part with the powdery pollen of the male flower and then rub the pollen onto the sticky part of the female flower. I have done this on several plants over the last couple of years resulting in zucchini and squash.
When you have acres and acres to mow you have to learn real quick to work smarter and not harder. There is an easy solution to this, Red Clover. If you own a large amount of land consider planting red clover instead of grass. There are many benefits to planting Red Clover. Red Clover requires less mowing and less water. Using less water for our lawns is always beneficial especially if you are in an area that is prone to drought. You can also make a great herbal tea out of it. One of the big benefits to planting Red Clover is that it attracts beneficial insects. That is right, those pollinators love it.
Finally, I will leave you with this. As you go through your summer activities consider the impact you have on the pollinators.