Create More Wild for Bees

The simplest, most effective (and good-smelling) way to help bees is to create pollinator habitats in your community. It sounds more complicated than it actually is, so here's an easy way to remember what it means:

With some native flower seeds, a shovel and some elbow grease, you can transform a boring patch of grass into a veritable bee sanctuary. Even a 12 in. by 12 in. square is enough to create a thriving bee habitat.

And just imagine. If each of us shares a piece of our lawn, and we add up all those little squares, we'd pretty much have our own nationwide bee sanctuary! But it has to start somewhere—why not in your yard?

Support with Your Spoon

Buy local and organic foods. Because bees need clean, healthy food and so do we. But organic agriculture is still only 1% of agriculture in the United States. If we all buy more organic foods, farmers can grow more and offer better prices. Supply and demand really works.

Be sweet to your local honey makers. Beekeepers do just that—help keep bees around. Just go to your local farmers' market and you'll find them. Plus, is anything more delicious than fresh, pure local honey?

How to Hang with Bees

And thank them while you're at it. Really, being around bees should be lovely—the buzz in the air, the flowers! So when you invite bees into your garden, here are a few ways to respect their boundaries.