Buying pesticide-free plants from local mom-and-pop nurseries is as valid and legitimate as it is to shop local farmers markets!
Without bees and proper pollination we would lose A LOT of plants. Bees are a critical part of food webs and are considered keystone species. Our ecosystems would totally alter without them.
How can we support bees?
Seek out locally-grown, native, organic, pesticide-free plants.
Shop mom-and-pop nurseries and ask if they are growing pesticide-free native plants when you are buying!
Buy a variety of native, flowering perennial plants in different shapes and sizes that bloom at different times of year – from early spring through the fall (or year-round in temperate climates).
Avoid using pesticides, herbicides and fungicides on your plants and your lawn.
Can’t find local, native organic plants? Try growing from organic seed!
Most importantly, avoid buying from big box stores. Their plants are often sprayed with pesticides. Some plants may be labeled “neonicotinoid-free” (a type of pesticide) but may have other pesticides on them. It’s the same formula we see again and again with food in the US: add chemicals = “perfect product” = increased profit = dangerous for humans and pollinators. NO REGARD for human health or the health of the ecosystem.
Excerpt from my interview with Kim Eierman — an environmental horticulturist and founder of EcoBeneficial!
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