You might have heard that bees are in danger. And that’s not something new. However, not all things are lost. For instance, adding plants that attract them could help save them.
Indeed, as you may or may not know, not all species are equally good to bees. Some flowers produce more nectar than others and make it more easily accessible than others.
Eye-catching flowers are not an indication of a plant’s attractiveness to bees. And sometimes, knowing which plants are beneficial for these pollinators might be tricky.
But do bees like clover? And what should you know about the relationship between the pollinators and this weed? Well, you have landed in the right place to get some answers! Read on to taper your curiosity!
Are Clovers Good For Bees?
If you have grown a lawn before, you might be familiar with the nuisance of weeds. Most of the time, people recommend you remove them. And for good reasons.
After all, weeds might destroy the aesthetic appeal of your garden and deprive your lawn of essential nutrients and water, which might cause severe issues over time.
However, the truth is that clover is an excellent food source for bees. And there are several varieties out there!
The plant produces plenty of blossoms rich in nectar in the spring and summer. And contrary to other weeds, clover won’t harm your grass.
It will naturally appear in lawns low in nutrients, meaning you can prevent their appearance by keeping your substrate fertilized.
However, you might not have to remove it, especially if you want to make your garden more bee-friendly. And if you are looking to get rid of clover, don’t forget to avoid using pesticides. After all, chemicals will harm the bee population in your garden.
Luckily, clover doesn’t ruin the looks of grass and, despite spreading aggressively under the ideal conditions, it won’t compete with your lawn. So, keep clover to attract several species of bees, including honeybees and bumblebees (and much more)!
Can You Make Your Lawn More Attractive to Bees?
You can make your lawn even more attractive to bees by adding bulbs and companion plants that these pollinators enjoy. For instance, snowdrops, daffodils, foxgloves, and lavender are excellent options.
If you want to keep your lawn neat, consider creating a wildflower area. Wildflowers tend to attract native bees. Plus, they are brightly colored and will contribute to making your garden even more pleasing!
And the best part is that you won’t have to spend much effort growing them. Avoid using chemicals and fertilizers and let wildflowers appear at their time.
Finally, some gardeners suggest adding water sources for bees to keep them around: these insects will also get tired after a long day of “work” and will look for hydration.
What Do Clovers Attract?
Besides attracting a wide variety of bees, plenty of beneficial insects will visit your garden if you add clover.
For instance, wasps might stay around. And because they feed on aphids, whiteflies, and scales, they will help you keep your garden healthy. Luckily wasps are usually harmless to humans and one of the best ways to control annoying pests.
Clover also attracts some species of butterflies. If you allow it to grow in a wildflower area of your garden, the chances of making your yard “alive” will increase. The good news is that you won’t have to use herbicides or pesticides.
Related article: How Long Does it Take Clover to Bloom?