Cultivating a Sustainable Garden with Beekeeping

Imagine having a garden that produces fresh vegetables and fruits and also contributes to the environment by helping to sustain bee populations. At least 30% of the world’s crops and 90% of all plants require cross-pollination to spread and thrive. That’s why #bees are an important part of any ecosystem.

Pollinators, and bees specifically, work to create many benefits for humans and the Earth we live on. One of those is to increase the health of your garden.

Whether you are a fan of honey, want to incorporate more beautiful flowers into your space, or love being able to have a positive impact on the environment, beekeeping can prove to be a fun, sustainable hobby. It also provides you with a way to improve the health of your garden and home.

Bees & Sustainability in Earth’s Ecosystems

The first step in designing any sustainable space is to understand the way it works within your local ecosystem and beyond.

Bees are a crucial part of our Earth’s ecosystem and can actually benefit both the quality of your garden and the nature around it.

Three out of four crops across the globe producing fruits or seeds for human use as food depend, at least in part, on pollinators.

Bees pollinate these plants so humans and other animals in the wild can have food.

As well, by focusing on pollination management in your garden, studies have shown that crop yields could be increased by about 25%, meaning that your garden can grow faster and healthier.

As your garden begins to thrive and flowers begin to flourish, you are creating a positive impact on the air quality in your local community, as these types of flowers have been shown to reduce air pollution.

Changing Your View of Gardening

Through beekeeping, you create a sustainable space that allows you to view your garden from a different perspective. For instance, you are likely to start doing things that attract pollinators to your garden.

Learning to cultivate a space that allows pollinators to thrive includes planting things such as forget-me-nots, wildflowers, and weeds such as buttercups. These tend to be beneficial to bees and other pollinators.

You might even learn how to use compost effectively to help the bees. That also reduces the amount of waste you send to landfills.

Aside from helping increase your compost pile and reduce your garden waste, bees can help eat insects that might be affecting the overall growth of your garden and the yards around you.

All this makes you a better and more diverse gardener. You also become a more environmentally-conscious citizen.

Beekeeping as a Hobby

To get started, all you need is some beekeeping gear for protection. You also need healthy bees from a reputable bee breeder in your area.

Look for docile bees, as these will be the easiest to manage when you first start out. Also, ensure you never get too comfortable working around them without your protective gear, such as gloves, a beekeeper hat, and whatever else makes you feel most comfortable and safe around the bees.

More importantly, check your local laws and regulations to find out if beekeeping is approved in your area. It’s also a good idea to check whether your neighbors are allergic to bees or any of the flowers you intend to plant.

If you are really dedicated to the cause, you can even take your passion on the road and use your honey bee hives to help farmers all around the country increase the health of their crops, such as almonds, pumpkins, and apples.

Investing in the Health of the Environment

There is more to green living than just recycling and reducing your energy consumption.

While there exists a variety of ways to engage in a sustainable lifestyle, beekeeping benefits both you and the environment. It’s a win-win for you, the bees, and the planet.

Natural beekeeping at home is an efficient way to save honeybees. It also ensures that your garden thrives.

Incorporating these insects into your garden can help you cultivate better food and plants. It also increases the health of your home’s green space and helps create a more sustainable world.

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for freshness and consistency.