Page 25 - ALG Issue 4 2020

bees
Allotment crops that can help to support bees
The majority of plant species used as food or medicine by humans are insect, mainly bee pollinated. However, with the increased use of F1 Hybrids we have been planting sterile hybrids that either produce no pollinator reward
or the pollen is either unsuitable
or inaccessible to foraging insects. Leaving a portion of your allotment crops to flower can give neighbourhood bees a welcome meal.
Insect friendly vegetables & culinary herbs are:
Allium cepa Onion, left to flower. Major Nectar, June–August
Allium porrum Leek, left to flower. Major Nectar, June–August
Allium schonoprasum Chive, left to flower. Major Nectar, June–August
Asparagus officinalis Asparagus, left to flower. Major Nectar + Pollen June– August
Brassica spp. Brassica species left to
flower. Nectar + Pollen, April–August
Cucurbita pepo, C. maxima tv Marrow, courgette, pumpkin. Major Nectar + Pollen (especially large pollen grains; sought after) June–August. Excellent for all bees
Cynara cardunculus Cardoon.
Nectar + Pollen, June– September
Cynara cardunculus var scolymus Artichokes, left to flower. Nectar + Pollen, June– September
Foeniculum vulgare Fennel.
Nectar + Pollen, June–August
Mentha spicata Spearmint. Nectar + Pollen, May–October
Ocimum basilicum Basil, flowering encouraged by not picking leaves or stems. Nectar + Pollen, July– September
Origanum vulgare Wild marjoram.
Nectar, July–September
Phaseolus coccineus Runner bean.
Nectar + Pollen, March–July
Raphanus spp. Radish. Major Nectar + Pollen, June–July
Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary. Nectar + Pollen,
April–June
Salvia officinalis Sage.
Nectar, June–August
Satureja montana Savory, perennial. Nectar + Pollen,
June–July
Thymus polytrichus, T. vulgaris Wild and garden
thyme. Nectar, May–August Thymus x citriodorus ptv Lemon
thyme. Nectar, May–August
Vicia faba ptv Broad bean. Major Nectar
+ Pollen, March–July
Information taken from www.bbka.org.uk/gardening-for-bees
SAVE Up to 10% on selected fruit stocks
Valid until 29/11/2020
Quality Fruit Suppliers Bare rooted fruit trees,
soft fruit bushes, canes, and vines.
Please write to: KEN MUIR LTD,
Dept: NAS20NO, Honeypot Farm, Weeley Heath, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO16 9BJ
Call 01255 830181 or visit:www.kenmuir.co.uk
Allotment and Leisure Gardener 25