Better Homes and Harvests: Building a DIY Bee-Friendly Watering Hole (And Why Your Garden Needs One)

Have you ever sat in your garden on a warm summer day, admiring the blooms and dreaming of a bountiful harvest, only to realize…there are barely any bees buzzing around? I have. It's a disheartening sight, isn't it? We know bees are vital to our gardens, but sometimes it feels like we're not doing enough to support them.

With bee populations declining at an alarming rate, it’s more important than ever to create havens for these essential pollinators in our own backyards. One simple yet impactful way to do this is by providing them with a reliable source of fresh water. And the best part? You can easily build a beautiful, bee-friendly watering hole yourself!

In this post, you'll learn how to build a simple, beautiful bee-friendly watering hole that will attract pollinators to your garden and help them thrive. Let's get started!

Why Bees Need Water (More Than You Think!)

You might be thinking, "Bees live outside! Surely they can find water somewhere." And while that's true to some extent, finding clean and accessible water can be a real challenge for them. Here’s why bees need water and the obstacles they face:

• Hydration: Just like us, bees need water to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.
• Hive Cooling: Bees use water to regulate the temperature inside their hives, preventing overheating. They’ll even fan their wings to circulate air and evaporate water droplets, acting as a natural air conditioner!
• Honey Production: Water is essential for diluting honey, making it easier for bees to consume and feed to their larvae.
• Finding Clean Water: In modern environments, bees often struggle to find clean, accessible water sources. Puddles can be contaminated with pesticides, and open water sources can be dangerous, leading to drowning. Bees aren't strong swimmers and will often drown in standing water if they have no way to climb out.
• Dehydration Distress: Bees without water will become dehydrated and eventually die.
  

Providing a bee-friendly watering hole solves these problems by offering a safe, clean, and easily accessible water source.

Step-by-Step DIY Guide: Building Your Bee Watering Hole

Ready to create your own bee oasis? Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

Materials List:

• A shallow dish (terra cotta saucers, old plates, or even a plastic container lid work well)
• Pebbles, marbles, glass gems, or small rocks (enough to fill the dish partially)
• Water
• Optional: A decorative base or stand for your dish

Instructions:

1. Gather your materials: Collect all the items listed above. If you are using a container from a local thrift store, make sure to sanitize it properly!
2. Arrange the pebbles/marbles: Place the pebbles, marbles, or rocks inside the dish. The key is to create a variety of landing spots and shallow areas where bees can safely stand and drink without falling into the water.
   
3. Add water: Slowly pour water into the dish, making sure to leave the tops of some of the pebbles/marbles exposed. The water level should be shallow enough that bees can easily reach it.
4. Choose the right location: Place your bee watering hole in a sunny or partially shaded area of your garden. It should be sheltered from strong winds and easily accessible to bees. Consider placing it near your pollinator-attracting plants.
5. Maintain the watering hole: Regularly check the water level and refill it as needed. Clean the dish every few weeks to prevent algae growth.

Design Ideas:

• Terra Cotta Classic: Use a large terra cotta saucer and fill it with colorful glass gems for a whimsical look.
• Natural Stone: Create a rustic watering hole using a shallow stone dish and river rocks.
• Upcycled Charm: Repurpose an old birdbath or plant pot saucer. Decorate it with paint or mosaic tiles for a personal touch.

Sustainable Practices & Design Considerations

At Better Homes and Harvests, we’re all about sustainability! Here are some ways to make your bee watering hole even more eco-friendly:

• Use Recycled Materials: Repurpose old dishes, containers, or rocks instead of buying new ones.
• Incorporate Native Plants: Surround your watering hole with native plants that attract pollinators. This creates a complete ecosystem for them. Consider plants such as Bee balm, Butterfly Weed, and Lavender.
• Support Your Garden Ecosystem: A bee watering hole not only benefits bees but also supports other beneficial insects and wildlife in your garden.
• Check Local Laws: Be sure that any structures and water sources adhere to your local town regulations.

My Personal Bee Watering Hole Story

Last summer, I noticed a significant decline in the number of bees visiting my garden. I knew I had to do something, so I decided to build a simple bee watering hole using an old terra cotta saucer and some pebbles I found in my yard.

Within days, I started seeing bees regularly visiting the watering hole. It was so rewarding to watch them safely drinking and collecting water. Not only did it bring more bees to my garden, but it also seemed to boost the overall health and vitality of my plants.

Addressing Concerns/Troubleshooting

• Algae Growth: To prevent algae growth, clean the dish regularly with a brush and water. You can also add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to the water to help inhibit algae growth.
• Mosquito Breeding: To prevent mosquito breeding, change the water frequently (every 2-3 days) or add a mosquito dunk (a safe, non-toxic product that kills mosquito larvae) to the water.
• Location Issues: Experiment with location, if bees are not using the watering hole after a few days, move it to an area where they frequent.

Community Focus

We'd love to hear about your experiences building bee watering holes! Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Connect with local beekeepers and gardening communities to learn more about supporting pollinators in your area.

Call to Action

Remember, even small actions can make a big difference in supporting pollinators and creating a more sustainable garden. Building a bee-friendly watering hole is a simple yet powerful way to make a positive impact.

Now it’s your turn! Get creative, build your own bee watering hole, and share your photos with us on social media using #BHHBeeWateringHole. You might be surprised at the impact this small addition will have on your garden and the wider ecosystem. It also provides a fun opportunity for your family to watch insects interact.