Key points
- Good pollination requires well prepared bee colonies. This requires good pollen sources through both autumn and spring to feed bees.
- Cropping farmers can provide pollen sources for resident hives by selecting and planting a range of species which flower in these times of the year.
- Plantings can be done in non-productive areas of the farm and can be used for amenity, shelter or aesthetics with no negative impact on farm operations.
- Plant selection requires expert advice to ensure flowering times do not divert bees from target crops and that plantings do not become reservoirs for plant diseases or pest insects.
- Establishment and management costs will vary hugely depending on whether you do all the work yourself or use a consultant and outside labour.
- The Trees for Bees NZ research programme is investigating which bee forage plant species are best for delivering large volumes of protein-rich pollen.