Polylectic plant pollinators, such as bees, are critical because they collect pollen from various plants.
In addition, spring-blooming food crops like apples, cherries, and blueberries, play a crucial role. Bees and other solitary earth burrowing bees are not aggressive.
Potting soil provides these insects with some nutrients beneficial to them. Some people believe that they eat the soil or drink the water. But all the same, this serves them.
Why Do Bees Like Potting Soil?
They construct underground tunnels to burrow their homes and breeding grounds (or in potted plants).
Their spring nesting efforts, which span four to six weeks, may make them more apparent.
Bees that lay their eggs underground prefer soils with little organic matter that drains well.
Dirty water is a favorite of theirs. So they drink from newly wet dirt or mud in pots or planters.
There are several places where bees can find nutrient-rich water, including puddles, brooks, irrigation systems and birdbaths, pet dishes, hose bibs, and sprinklers.
The soil’s moisture is warm, and bees can absorb warm water more quickly than cold.
Here is an article I wrote on can sunflowers grow in clay soil?
Why Are Honey Bees Attracted to Dirt?
Clear water doesn’t appear to appeal to bees. Instead, they prefer murky, green slime-filled water.
However, researchers believe that bees can smell the water and recognize it as a water source, which could be the explanation.
Why Do Bees Love Plants?
Bees are drawn to flowers because they can eat nectar and pollen.
Bees use the nectar-producing blooms. Larva (baby bees) are fed on pollen from flowers that the bees collect.
For nutrition, bees rely on pollen and nectar. They get their carbohydrates from nectar and their protein and lipids from pollen.
Honeybees feed on nectar with their tongues and pollen baskets on their legs.
It’s like they’re gathering the ingredients for a recipe. Then, the pollen and nectar are taken back to the hive and processed into honey and “bee bread,” The bees feed their larvae.
There is a mutually beneficial relationship between bees and flowers. Flowers have created a unique way to communicate with them.
The eyes of bees and humans are distinct. The way we process light alters the way we perceive the world.
Examples of plants bees like are:
Bee balm
Bees are attracted to the blossoms of this plant, which is known as “bee balm” because it was initially used to treat bee stings.
North Carolina is home to a wide diversity of bee balm species. Most are fragrant and flower for up to eight weeks at a time.
White wild indigo
Two to four feet tall, the white wild indigo can grow in dirt, gravel, or poor soil.
However, this plant can withstand seasonal droughts or flooding if it receives regular hydration. It will be dormant until the spring of the following year.
Additionally, white wild indigo attracts the block-spotted conspicuous moth and frosted elfin butterflies. There is no need to look for white wild indigo if you can’t find any.
Purple coneflower
Spectacular perennials like this one attract honeybees, hummingbirds, and butterflies!
Seedlings of this plant are readily available at most garden centers. Until they become established, take care to keep them well-watered.
If not planted near other plants, it can reach two to five feet. Unfortunately, purple coneflower does not do well in dry weather.
What Do Bees Like The Most?
Open or flat tubular flowering plants with a lot of pollen and nectar attract honeybees.
Bees are attracted to flowers for various reasons, including their fragrance and vibrant colors.
Conclusion
Many pollinators benefit from a well-cared-for flower garden.
Bees, of course, but not only honey bees help. Solitary bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators will be drawn to your beautiful paradise.
Of course, everyone’s soil isn’t ideal for a garden outside. But, there’s no need to be concerned.
Bees are still in need of food, and you can still lend a helping hand. So, if you notice bees buzzing over your potting soil, don’t panic.
