Bee Boxes

[Brian Adam]

There's a bee box idea I've seen that's made from a 4x4 block of wood to encourage 'solitary bees' to hang around the garden. Is this a good idea in New Zealand gardens?

I notice one website with plans for a bee boxe is Canadian, and they seem to be targeting mason bees. Do they do any pollinating here?

bri

[Marcia Ann Meehan]

Hi Brian, solitary bees in NZ nest in the ground or banks, i`m not sure if they would use a wooden box, they like to tunnel into sandy soil !

[Stillcookin]

Mason bees are well worth the effort it takes to lure them. If you have a good sized block of wood with lots of holes in it, chances are they will nest there. The holes should be drilled 5/16ths wide and no less than 5 inches deep. I used a6' X 8' block about 2 feet long. I mounted it on a post facing the morning sun to warm them up in the early hours. Some will stick around and others will leave but you will always have plenty to do your pollination work. Plus, they are beautiful to look at. I spend way too much time watching them!

[Kate and Olly]

Here is a clear and easy to follow tutorial on how to build a nest for bumblebees.
http://www.renewablesathome.com/ecology/how-to-build-a-bumblebee-nest

I am not sure I would use my feet as a vice when operating a power drill but each to their own.

It goes onto burying it in part two
http://www.renewablesathome.com/ecology/how-to-build-a-bumblebee-ne...

[Brian Adam]

Thanks for those. Yes I'd probably use my feet as a drilling support in some situations, but with sturdy footwear - certainly not stockinged feet!!! Cheers

[Jools]

Here is another simple idea for attracting solitary bees...
http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/insects-bee-hotel

[Ian Morton]

Check out our Hand-crafted NZ Made Solitary Bee Hives and Bumble Bee Nesting Boxes! We also offer Leafcutter Bee Cells/ Cocoons for purchase.

http://www.creativewoodcraft.co.nz/bees

Register for a free downloadable e-book Bees, containing information about New Zealand Native Solitary Bees, Leafcutting Bees and Bumble Bees.

Help your flowering fruit trees and gardens by providing a comfy home to Leafcutter Bees, Native Solitary Bees and Bumble Bees.

See your garden explode with blossom as a result!