WHY SEEDS FOR BEES?
Many sources of food for bees grow in untended patches of ground at the edges of roads, along fences, and in vacant spaces. These places are under pressure from development and the bees’ food sources are destroyed in the process. Some very important food sources are also targeted as nuisance weeds, such as Himalayan blackberry and Japanese knotweed. The systematic removal of these food sources puts a strain on the bees and other pollinators that depend on them. Our PSBA seed packets will grow flowers that feed honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Look to see how many different kinds of pollinators come to your garden!
After you plant your seeds, tell us where! We’ll add your patch of flowers to our map to show our progress in adding more forage for bees!
ABOUT THE SEEDS FROM PUGET SOUND BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION:
An easy to grow colorful mixture of approximately 20 species of annuals, biennials, perennials averaging 3 feet in height. The flower species included in this PSBA seed mix are well suited for growing conditions in the Western WA area.
The importance of pollinator insects in nature, agriculture and the home garden has become increasingly recognized. Recently, bee populations in particular, have been negatively impacted. A combination of factors, including habitat destruction, chemicals in the environment and pests preying on bees all seem to play their part. Healthy bee colonies need to feed on a steady supply of flower pollen throughout the growing season.
HOW TO GET SEEDS FROM PSBA
PSBA will have a supply of seed packets available for FREE at any event we host or attend – checkout our events calendar for dates and times. In addition, if you would like to order seed packets in bulk (say, for a classroom or group planting effort) please order from our store and we will be in touch to arrange for pickup/delivery.
WHEN AND WHERE TO PLANT:
Select a sunny location and plant in well drained soil during early spring or fall, in mild winter areas. For best results, loosen soil with rake or hoe. Mix seeds with a cup of sand or other inert material and broadcast each gram of seed over 10-20 sq. ft., Lightly rake seed into soil or cover with peat moss or similar light mulch. Keep soil moist until plants begin to grow. These seeds are for residential or community gardens plantings in the Western WA area.
Care: Requires little care. Water only when necessary.
Warning: DO NOT PLANT AROUND LIVESTOCK
The seed packets contain the following seed mix:
- Lupinus perennis Perennial Lupine
- Gaillardia aristata Blanketflower
- Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower
- Helianthus annuus Dwarf Sunspot Sunflower
- Coreopsis lanceolata Lance-Leaved Coreopsis
- Ratibida columnaris Mexican Hat
- Chamaecrista fasciculata Partridge Pea
- Cosmos bippinatus Cosmos Sensations Mix
- Lupinus microcarpus densiflorus Light Yellow w/Blue Lupine
- Lupinus succulentus Arroyo Lupine
- Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Milkweed
- Coreopsis tinctoria Plain Coreopsis
- Monarda citridora Lemon Mint
- Phacelia tanacetifolia Lacy Phacelia
- Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamont/Bee Balm
- Borago officinalis Borage
- Origanum vulgare Common Oregano
- Trifolium incarnatum Crimson Clover
- Limnanthes douglassi Meadow Foam
- Thymus vulgaris Garden Thyme
Did you plant some seeds? Tell us where by filling out the form below and we’ll map it!