How Consumers Can Grow Bee-Friendly Gardens

Not long after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the use of neonicotinoid insecticides, bee colonies began disappearing in the U.S. “Neonics” weaken the immune systems of bees. Forager bees bring pesticide-laden pollen and...

June 11, 2014 | Source: Organic Consumers Association | by Katherine Paul and Patrick Kerrigan

For related articles and more information, please visit OCA’s All About Organics page, and our Honey Bee Health page.

We know neonics play a role in Colony Collapse Disorder. And we know that Big Ag is the Biggest User of the pesticides. According to an article in

Mother Jones, “virtually the entire US corn crop—which covers more than 90 million acres, far more than any other crop—is grown with seed treated with Bayer’s chemical.”

But consumers contribute to the problem, too, when they buy products like Monsanto’s Roundup, Dow’s Rodeo or Bayer 2-1 Systemic Rose and Flower Care. Fortunately, those products are easy to avoid.

Unfortunately, consumers also unwittingly bring bee-killing pesticides into their gardens, when they buy seeds, potting soil and plants pre-treated with neonics.

As word spreads about the plight of the pollinators, informed consumers are finding safer alternatives for weed control, shopping at garden centers that offer neonic-free plants and planting safe, native varieties of plants that attract pollinators (without killing them).

Here are some resources for consumers who want to promote a healthy habitat for healthy pollinators.

Alternatives to Using Roundup

• Natural Alternatives to Roundup are Quite Easy to Make

• Is there a Safe Alternative to Roundup?

• Homemade Roundup Alternative (video)

Online Suppliers of Neonic-Free Seeds

• GrowOrganic

• Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.

• Seeds of Change

• The Seed and Plant Finder

• Seed Savers Exchange

Guides for Buying Bee-Friendly Products