Bees are extremely important for the environment and the pollination of plants - thus also for human nutrition. Unfortunately, there is a significant decline in the bee population due to lack of food and disease, as well as pesticides. With small changes, such as insect-friendly flower boxes on the balcony, terrace or in the garden, the bees can be effectively supported.
Of course - please
When choosing suitable insect-friendly plants and designing the flower boxes, you should pay attention to a few points. Because not all plants that bloom and smell good or even attract various insects are also suitable as food for bees and other beneficial insects. The following factors are important:
Not just decorative
When choosing decorative balcony plants, geraniums and the like are often used. Unfortunately, these are not suitable as a food source for bees and other insects. Plants that are useful for humans, such as herbs or berries, are also better.
Choose unfilled flowers
Purely decorative plants such as bluebells can also be used as so-called bee pastures and thus as food. It is important, however, that simple, unfilled variants are chosen. Because double flowers are usually not suitable as a source of food.
Combinations and diversity
For a long time it was normal for balcony boxes to contain only one type of plant. However, combinations of different crops are better. If these are planted together in a box or tub, on the one hand it is more decorative and on the other hand the plants themselves can also benefit from the mixed culture. For bees and other insects, however, it does not matter whether the plants were planted next to each other in a balcony box or distributed in different pots and other planters. The main thing is that there is diversity on the balcony or terrace.
Different flowering times
Another benefit of the variety is that the plants bloom at different times. On the one hand, this is important for bees and other flying insects, as it provides food sources for a longer period of time. On the other hand, the balcony is decorative for a longer period of time and a new look is constantly developing from spring to autumn.
From B to G
basil(Ocimum basilicum)
The aromatic and delicious herbal plant with the botanical name Ocimum basilicum is available in almost every supermarket, hardware store and of course in nurseries and is an asset to the kitchen. In addition, basil is healthy due to the micronutrients it contains and can therefore be on the menu more often.
The cultivation of the plant is extremely simple. The plant only needs sufficient light and water. Herbal fertilizers are also recommended during growth. As soon as it blooms, the basil is also a wonderful source of food for bees. The flowering period is primarily between
Bee's gypsophila "White Willi" (Euphorbia hypericifolia)
The bee's gypsophila "Weißer Willi" or also Euphorbia hypericifolia is a bee pasture, as the name suggests. The countless flowers are also extremely decorative. Sufficient water, a long-term fertilizer and a sunny location are completely sufficient for maintenance. The plant is undemanding and also ideally suited for beginners without experience and green fingers. The flowering period begins early in spring and lasts until autumn.
Borage(Borago officinalis)
Borage is called in botanical terminology Borago officinalis and is a herb and medicinal plant, which, however, should not be consumed too often. Care is simple and limited to watering and fertilizing. The flowers are extremely attractive to bees and other insects. They appear around May and can persist until September.
Strawberries(Fragaria)
The idea of strawberries - or maybe Fragaria - Pulling on the balcony is not new. The culture is possible both in boxes and in hanging baskets. Special traffic light plants with tendrils also bring a comparatively high yield in a small space and can significantly increase the cultivation options and variety of plants on covered balconies. They bloom relatively early and are therefore one of the first sources of food for bees and the like.
Depending on the variety, the first flowers can appear as early as March. With many varieties, new buds, flowers and fruits are formed again and again until September.
Fan flower (Scaevola aemula)
The fan flower with the scientific name Scaevola aemula brings several advantages for humans and insects alike. It is undemanding and easy to care for and therefore also wonderfully suitable for beginners in plant care or people with little time. In addition, it has a very long flowering time, which makes it a source of food for bees for several months. Flowering extends from May to September.
Bellflower(Campanula)
Simple bluebells are one of the classic balcony plants. The plants with the scientific name Campanula are easy to care for, can be used as cut flowers in bouquets and are a magical attraction for bees. Apart from that, they are decorative and bring color to the balcony or terrace. Because of the great
From K to M
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum)
The nasturtium is traditionally planted in vegetable gardens or used as a medicinal plant. The flowers also go wonderfully in salads as an unusual and decorative ingredient. Another advantage besides the attractive effect on bees and other insects is the growth habit. The nasturtium can be grown wonderfully on trellises and is therefore an ideal privacy screen.
The plant with the botanical name Tropaeolum is comparatively easy to care for. A sunny to partially shaded location and a humus soil with a moderate proportion of nutrients are sufficient. The flowering period begins around July and lasts into October.
coriander(Coriandrum sativum)
The spice plant is available as both leaf coriander and spice coriander. While coriander leaf is mainly used in Asian dishes, the spiced coriander is dried and popular as an ingredient in Christmas cookies. The flowers, in turn, are attractive to bees and other flying insects. A loose, permeable substrate such as herbal soil and a sunny but at the same time protected location are ideal for cultivation. The coriander is relatively short from June to July.
lavender(Lavandula angustifolia)
Fragrant lavender or also Lavandula angustifolia is on the one hand a bee pasture and on the other hand it can be used in many ways. It can be dried packed in sachets and used as an air freshener and to keep moths away. Permeable herbal soil and a sunny location are sufficient for it to thrive optimally. It blooms from June to August.
Snapdragons(Antirrhinum)
The snapdragon or also Antirrhinum is easy to care for, but extremely floriferous. Bees are attracted to the plant very quickly and intensely and can use the nectar wonderfully as a source of food.
However, a nutrient-rich soil, rather moist soil and a sunny location are required for this. The substrate must never dry out, because snapdragons are sensitive to drought. With optimal care, the plant blooms from June to September and thus serves as a beehive for three months.
Daisies(Tropaeolum)
Marguerites are undemanding plants that thrive without any problems and only require sufficient water and a clear location. They are wonderful pastures for bees and bloom for a very long time. This makes them the ideal balcony plants. The heyday of Leucanthemum, as they are called by their botanical name, begins in May - at the latest in June - and lasts until the first frost. Normal potting soil and regular watering are sufficient for the plant.
mint (Mentha)
Mint comes in numerous varieties. Chocolate mint, orange mint, peppermint - nurseries but also hardware stores now offer a large number of varieties, all of which differ in taste and aroma. Mint goes wonderfully in salads and drinks. As soon as it blooms, it is also a magnet for bees. In autumn it can be dried and used as a base for tea. A good combination results with strawberry plants. The plants with the scientific name Mentha should be placed in nutrient-rich soil and placed in a sunny to partially shaded location.
From S to Z
sage (Salvia)
As a herbal plant, sage is wonderfully suitable for seasoning or as a base for tea. It is easy to cultivate and easy to maintain. Again, of course, it must first flower before the sage is an asset for the bees or becomes food. The plants with the botanical name Salvia thrive best in herbal soil and should be planted in a sunny spot. The flowering period is between May and July.
chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives can be used in many ways in the kitchen.
Whether as an aromatic decoration or ingredient in salads, in hearty quark or yoghurt or on eggs - chives quickly and easily add a spicy note to dishes.
Cultivation is easy and requires little effort. A nutrient-rich substrate and a sunny place are wonderful for the aromatic plant. When the chives bloom, they delight bees as well as humans. In addition, the flowering time is very long. Buds can form and bloom from March to October. Contrary to popular belief, the flowers are the Allium schoenoprasum not toxic to humans either.
sunflowers(Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers respectively Helianthus annuus are not only great balcony plants for bees and humans. Birds also benefit from it. As long as no kernels or seeds have formed, the sunflower is ideal for bees. If sunflower seeds develop, they can be consumed yourself or the flowers can be left to stand. The kernels are used directly as bird food. For the sunflowers to thrive well they need a sunny location and nutrient-rich soil. The beginning of the flowering period is in June. The flowers are open until October.
thyme(Thymus)
Thyme is used as a spice and as a medicinal plant. If the plant is allowed to flower because not all of the shoots are cut, it will benefit bees and other insects. In autumn the plant can either hibernate indoors or it can be dried and used as a tea and spice. Herbal soil and adapted watering are sufficient to supply the thyme. Flowering can begin between June and July and last until around October.
Verbena (Verbena)
Verbena or verbena is a feast for the eyes and attracts bees. Low demands, many flowers an excellent food source for insects - that describes verbena very well. It is therefore wonderfully suitable for the terrace, garden and balcony, as well as for beginners or easy-care plant management. The plants are called by scientific names Verbena. They need locations with a lot of light and a rather nutrient-poor substrate in order to keep their flowering from around May to October.
Convertible rose (Lantana camara)
The plant from America belongs to the verbena or verbena family. They are easy to care for, have an attractive flower and a pleasant scent. However, they are very sensitive to frost and must therefore be brought into the house early on. In addition, the Lantana camara a loose, rather nutrient-poor soil and a sunny, warm and sheltered place. The flowering period begins between May and June and can last until October.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
The lemon balm is also an enrichment for the kitchen and health. Micronutrients and aromatic substances can have a positive impact on people's health. The flowers in turn serve as a source of food for bees. In order for it to flower, some stems should always be left standing and not cut. The herb plant needs nutrient-rich, sandy and loose soil as well as a sunny to partially shaded location. Then the flowering period can begin in June and last until the first frost.
Tips for combinations
If different plants are to be planted in one container, a few points must be observed. These include, among others:
Requirements for the substrate
The plants should have the same or at least similar requirements for the substrate so that they can be placed next to each other in a box or tub.
Similar to care
The maintenance requirements are similar to those of the substrate. The need for water and fertilizer of the different plants should be met.
Suitable locations
The plants should also match in terms of location. For example, plants for a sunny location do not fit on the north-facing balcony or in the shade.