What Plants To Plant To Help The Bees Even If You Have A Black Thumb

Published on April 19, 2021

The sun is shining, there’s that fresh spring smell in the air, and those April showers are right on track to bring May flowers. Speaking of, are you ready to start planting your gardens yet? If you’re feeling a bit iffy about starting a garden because you feel like you’re cursed with a black thumb, have no fear. There are plenty of easy-to-grow flowers and vegetables that you can add to any size garden that will keep local pollinators well fed all season long.

Gardening is for Everyone

First things first, we want to make it clear that there really isn’t a Black Thumb Curse. Gardening is something everyone can do so long as they take the time to learn how to grow things and be patient with themselves, even if it doesn’t go right the first time around. If you’re feeling discouraged, we suggest trying your hand at these easy-to-grow blooms that will be perfect for the pollinators.

Chives

While chives add great flavor to your favorite dish, they are also a favorite of the bees! Once you harvested what you needed, it’s best to let them go to seed. Bees love these purple blooms! They provide a rich source of pollen and nectar all summer long! Plus, these low maintenance herbs are easy to grow in a garden or window box.

Sunflowers

Anyone else think of Van Gogh when they see sunflowers? Just me? Okay, anyways, sunflowers are another simple plant to grow. Depending on which size you plant, sunflowers usually need a little more space to grow, and you guessed it, sun! But, because these flowers usually bloom later in the season, they make the perfect source of last minute forage for bees before they hunker down for winter.

Hyssop

Hyssop is a herb that also has sweet, beautiful purple flowers. Bees love purple! While these minty leaves make any dish delicious, they are also very easy to grow from seed. They also self seed, so they’ll come back next year, if you want them too! Put them in your herb garden or window box so your bees can have a cool snack during the hot summer days of August.

Asters

Asters bloom in a variety of colors, typically late summer to fall, making them another great source of late season forage for bees! Once again, these flowers are stunning and easy to grow. They add so much color to your flower garden and can bloom as late as November!

Purple Cone Flowers

These flowers are native to most Midwestern prairies. You’re likely to see them at your local pollinator garden as well! Cone flowers are resilient to harsher weather, which makes them easy to grow! Plus, they bloom all season long, so they give your local pollinators plenty of food!

Marigolds

These happy, bright flowers are easy to grow and bloom spring, summer, and fall! Add these pops of color to your flower garden and bees will go nuts for them. An added bonus – they are a natural mosquito repellent. Sounds like a win-win here!

Zinnias

These are another colorful bunch of blooms that are simple to grow! They like to be in full sun and don’t require a lot of watering. Bees love these open blooms, which typically last all summer, making them a great source of food for the bees!

Many of these flowers can be bought at your local green house, or the seeds can be ordered online. The seed packs will have instructions on how to plant them if you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or do your own research if you’re worried about your black thumb. Overall, the most important thing to take away from this: you’re making an effort to grow something that will help the bees. Happy planting!