If you’re looking to add some buzz to your garden this summer, the list of the best bees for your garden is just a few clicks away!
Bees are an important part of any garden ecosystem and can help pollinate plants which help them thrive. They are also integral in helping produce a healthy yield of fruits and vegetables.
Let’s take a look at the best bees for your garden and what they can do for you.
7 Best Bees for Your Garden
Here are a few of the best native bee species for the garden. If you see them buzzing around, be sure to say thanks!
Squash Bees
The Squash Bee is a solitary bee that often goes unnoticed due to its small size and lack of buzzing noise.
But don’t let this fool you; these bees are hardworking pollinators that play an important role in your garden.
They specialize in pollinating squash and pumpkins, but they have also been known to visit watermelons, cantaloupes, cucumbers, and other plants as well.
Squash Bees are more active during the day than most other bee species since they do not produce honey like other bees.
Instead, they collect nectar for energy and pollen for protein which is used to feed their young.
They can also fly farther than other bee species because they do not carry around heavy loads of nectar or pollen. This allows them to cover more ground while still being able to pollinate many plants in their path.
When it comes to attracting these bees, there are a few simple steps you can take such as planting native flowers that bloom early in the season (such as dandelions or clover) or leaving some bare patches of soil for them to nest in near your vegetable garden.
Additionally, providing shallow dishes filled with sugar water near your garden can provide an easy source of food for them when times are tough!
Mason Bees
The mason bee (Osmia spp.) is a solitary insect native to North America. These gentle creatures don’t live in hives or build combs as honeybees do.
Instead, they nest in small cavities in trees and walls. They are non-aggressive and will rarely sting unless provoked.
Unlike honeybees, mason bees are very efficient pollinators because they carry more pollen on their bodies than other bees.
When it comes to gardening, few insects can compare to the mason bee. These tiny workers have an incredibly high rate of pollination—as much as 10 times higher than the average honeybee!
This means they can help your flowers and vegetables bear fruit faster and more efficiently than any other bee species.
Plus, since they don’t require vast amounts of resources like hives or colonies, they are much less expensive to keep around than other types of bees.
If you want to attract mason bees to your garden, you’ll be pleased to know that it isn’t hard at all!
All you need to do is purchase some wooden nesting blocks from your local garden supply store and hang them up around your garden area.
You can also provide small stones for the bees to use as nesting material if you wish. Once the bees find these blocks, they will start using them as homes for their eggs and larvae!
Blueberry Bees
The blueberry bee (Habropoda laboriosa) is a type of mining bee that got its name because it prefers to nest in sandy soils and is often found around blueberry patches.
It is native to North America and can be found in many parts of the United States and Canada. It looks like a tiny bumblebee but has unique coloring—a bright yellow abdomen with orange stripes.
The blueberry bee plays an important role in pollinating both wild and cultivated plants, including blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, cherries, apples, pears, raspberries, blackberries, and more.
It not only helps these plants to produce fruit but also ensures their long-term survival by keeping the genetic diversity of these species alive.
Furthermore, the blueberry bee will even help out some wildflower species as well!
Alkali Bees
The alkali bee is a solitary ground-nesting species native to western North America.
Its small size—only about ¼ of an inch long—makes it a great candidate if you’re looking for non-aggressive bees that don’t require as much space as honeybees do.
Alkali bees are naturally drawn to alfalfa flowers, and they are incredibly effective pollinators.
They can visit up to 200 flowers a day, which makes them one of the most efficient pollinators around!
Plus, they don’t need any fancy equipment; all they need is some bare ground so they can make their nests and get right to work.
Another great thing about alkali bees is that they are incredibly adaptive creatures.
This means that despite their small size and solitary nature, these bees are able to live in various types of landscapes and climates as long as there is an adequate source of food nearby.
They also have a low impact on the environment because they don’t need any special tools or equipment; all they require is simple soil for nesting purposes.
Finally, since these bees are so good at pollinating plants, having them around can lead to healthier gardens with higher yields than if relying solely on wind-pollinated plants.
Bumblebees
Bumblebees are the MVP of the bee world because they are incredibly efficient pollinators. These fuzzy little creatures have a unique way of gathering nectar from flowering plants.
They use their furry bodies as pollinators, brushing against flowers and picking up pollen from one flower, and transferring it to another.
That’s why bumblebees are essential for keeping gardens healthy and productive; they help increase yields and improve plant health.
But that’s not all bumblebees can do!
They’re also important predators in the garden—they help control pests like aphids and caterpillars that can wreak havoc on crops.
Plus, they’re low-maintenance insects; all you need to do is provide them with some shelter (like a small hole in a tree or shrub) and they will happily move in!
Bumblebees are also great at adapting to their environment. If there isn’t enough food in one area, they can easily find food elsewhere.
This type of bees have some unique behaviors that make them stand out from other bee species.
For example, when a female bumblebee finds a good source of nectar or pollen she will mark it with her feet! This helps other bumblebees find the same source of food more easily.
Additionally, female bumblebees will often create their own nests where they lay eggs and raise their young.
This makes them an important part of the ecosystem as their young grow up to become new pollinators in turn!
Virescent Green Metallic Bee
The virescent green metallic bee (VGM) is found most commonly in tropical or subtropical climates, but it can also be found in temperate climates during its peak season.
It’s a small to medium-sized bee that typically ranges from 8-14 mm in length and has distinctive greenish iridescence on its body. But what makes the VGM so special?
For starters, the VGM is an excellent pollinator. It has been observed visiting many types of flowers, including legumes and grasses, making it an ideal companion for any garden that contains multiple species of plants.
It also helps to control pests by preying on small insects such as aphids and mites, reducing the need for chemical treatments on your plants.
Finally, its eye-catching iridescence makes it a beautiful addition to any outdoor space!
VGM bees are generally docile creatures; however, they can become irritable when threatened or disturbed.
To avoid upsetting them (and potentially getting stung!) It is best to leave them alone while they work their pollination magic in your garden.
They will usually return to the same spot every day if they are undisturbed and have plenty of flowers available for food sources.
Honeybee
Honeybees are one of the most efficient types of bees when it comes to pollination and they come with many benefits for our gardens.
They can travel up to three miles from their hive, meaning they can cover a large area in order to collect pollen from multiple flowers.
Plus, they produce honey which is great for baking! In addition, since honey bees live in colonies, there will be more than enough bees to go around and work on pollinating your flowers and plants.
This high number of workers also ensures that each plant in your garden will get all the nutrients it needs.
Honeybees aren’t just great for our gardens; they’re also incredibly important for our food system as a whole.
As we rely more heavily on monoculture farming—which relies heavily on pesticides—we need more pollinators like honeybees to keep our crops healthy and strong.
Without them, we would see an increase in food prices and a decrease in crop yields due to infertile soil or disease-ridden plants caused by the lack of diversity in pollinators.
What is the Fastest Way to Attract Bees to Your Garden?
If you’ve ever wanted to do your part for the planet and attract more bees to your garden, you’re going to want to read this!
Bees are essential for pollinating many of our favorite fruits and vegetables, but it can be tricky to figure out how to quickly attract them.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take that will make your backyard buzz with activity.
Choose the Right Flowers
The first step is to make sure you choose flowers that bees love. Dandelions, lavender, cosmos, and daisies are all great choices for attracting pollinators.
These flowers provide plenty of nectar and pollen for bees—it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet! Plant these flowers in clusters so they’re easier for bees to find.
Bonus points if you have a variety of colors so there’s something for every bee.
Add Native Plants
Bees also love native plants. Not only do native plants typically require less water than other varieties of plants, but they also provide essential minerals and nourishment that bees need.
Plus, native plants don’t require any extra fertilizers or treatments—the bees will take care of everything themselves.
A great way to attract even more pollinators is by planting a wildflower meadow filled with native species!
Put Out Water
Another great way to attract bees is by providing water sources.
You can set up shallow dishes filled with water or create small pools with rocks so that the bees have easy access to liquid refreshment if needed.
Placing these water sources near flowering plants will also make them easier for the bees to find.
Use Bee Pheromone Traps
Finally, one of the fastest ways to attract bees is by using bee pheromone traps.
These traps mimic the scent given off by female worker bees when they search for food sources and nest locations.
When placed near flowering plants, these traps will lure male drones into their vicinity where they will then be able to find potential mates in addition to food sources.
Bees for Your Garden That Are Easy to Keep
Have you ever wanted to start beekeeping but were intimidated by the thought of having to take care of dozens or even hundreds of bees?
Here’s a quick guide to some of the easiest bees to keep to benefit your garden!
Italian Honey Bee
The Italian honey bee (Apis mellifera ligustica) is native to Italy, hence its name. It is known for being gentle and non-aggressive—which makes it ideal for beginner beekeepers who don’t want to deal with overly aggressive bees.
This type of bee also has a high propensity for honey production, meaning that it can produce more honey than other types of bees.
It’s also able to adapt quickly to its environment, which makes it easier for new beekeepers to get a colony established in their backyard or apiary.
Italian honey bees are also known for their high levels of hygienic behavior—meaning that they are less likely than other types of bees to contract or spread diseases like foulbrood and chalkbrood.
This helps keep your hive healthy and free from disease. And since this type of bee is so gentle, it can be safely handled even by novice beekeepers without fear of getting stung (though we still recommend using protective gear).
Russian Honey Bee
The Russian honeybee is one of the most rewarding bee species for gardeners and small-scale beekeepers alike.
It is an overall hardy species, able to adapt well to different climates, and is known for being very gentle and docile in comparison to many other bee varieties.
Another plus is its tendency to build strong hives with minimal fuss or management from the beekeeper.
In addition, Russian honey bees have a proven resistance against common pests and parasites, making them much easier to keep disease-free than other bees.
They also produce exceptional amounts of honey: due to their general hardiness, this particular species can take full advantage of available nectar sources without needing intensive management like some other breeds might.
Ultimately, the Russian honeybee is an excellent choice for any garden needing a reliable source of pollinators that don’t require much vigilance or work.
Buckfast Honey Bee
Buckfast honey bees are incredibly easy to care for and require very little maintenance.
They are a hardy species that can withstand colder temperatures, so they make an excellent choice for gardeners who live in cooler climates.
Furthermore, they tend to be docile and unlikely to swarm, making them ideal for beginner beekeepers.
Another great benefit of keeping Buckfast honeybees is that they produce high-quality honey.
Their production levels may be lower than other breeds, but what they do produce is top-notch.
Plus, due to their resistance to disease and parasites, their honey tends to be much cleaner than other varieties.
Finally, perhaps the biggest benefit of keeping Buckfast honeybees is that they are great pollinators! As gardeners know, pollination is essential if you want your plants and flowers to thrive.
With Buckfast honey bees buzzing around your garden all year long, you can rest assured that everything will get plenty of attention from these busy little buddies!
Caucasian Mountain Gray Bee
The Caucasian Mountain Gray Bee is native to Russia and Turkey, and it was imported into Europe in the late 1800s. It is smaller than most other bee species, reaching a size of only 8-12 millimeters.
This small size means that they’re less likely to sting than other types of bees because they don’t have much venom in their stingers.
They are also very gentle and docile – so much so that they’re often described as being “lazy” or “sleepy” bees!
In addition to being gentle and easy to keep, Caucasian Mountain Gray Bees are great for gardeners because they are excellent pollinators.
They are highly effective at collecting pollen from flowers and transferring it from plant to plant.
As a result, gardens tend to be more productive when there are healthy populations of Caucasian Mountain Gray Bees buzzing about in them!
And unlike some other species of bees, Caucasian Mountain Gray Bees do not swarm — meaning that you won’t have huge swarms of them taking over your backyard anytime soon.
The Caucasian Mountain Gray Bee has become an increasingly popular choice for beekeepers due to its low maintenance requirements and gentle nature.
Furthermore, these bees can survive even in cold climates that other bee species cannot tolerate – making them ideal for those living in colder regions.
Carniolan Honey Bee
The Carniolan honey bee, also known as Apis mellifera carnica, is native to Austria and Slovenia. It’s black or dark gray in color and its abdomen has lighter stripes.
The drones are slightly larger than worker bees but have distinctive yellowish-brown coloring on their heads and abdomens.
These bees are known for being gentle yet hardworking. They are gentle enough that they won’t sting unless they feel threatened.
However, they are also very diligent workers and will work long hours all season long to collect nectar and pollen from flowers. As a result, these bees make great pollinators for gardens!
Carniolan honey bees are also great because they can survive in cold temperatures with minimal protection from the elements.
Unlike other types of bees that require extra insulation during winter months, these bees can easily withstand cold climates without any additional support from beekeepers.
That makes them ideal for people living in colder regions who don’t want to worry about providing extra protection for their hives in harsh weather conditions!
Best Bees For a Garden: Final Thoughts
Bees are an essential part of any successful garden ecosystem and choosing the right type of bee can make all the difference when it comes to having happy plants and plentiful harvests.
Whether you choose a bumblebee, honeybee, mason bee, or another type entirely, there’s something special about having buzzing friends around in your own backyard!
No matter which kind of bee you decide on, make sure you give them plenty of love—after all, without them our gardens wouldn’t be nearly as beautiful!