The 8 Best Things to Plant for Bees in 2026

The Camas Pollinator Supply Co. Wildflower Seed Packets (20 pack) are a practical and thoughtful solution for anyone looking to support pollinators while adding color to their garden. This set contains 20 individual packets, each filled with a curated mix of 11 annual wildflowers that include classics like Bachelor Button, Cosmos, Zinnias, and Dwarf Sunflower. Designed to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, these seeds are perfect for gardeners who want to create a vibrant, eco-friendly space without a lot of fuss.

What sets this product apart is its focus on low-maintenance gardening. The seeds germinate quickly and grow fast, requiring only basic care like watering and sunlight. Each packet covers about 8-10 square feet, so the full pack can easily cover a 160-200 square foot area. That makes it ideal for a small meadow, a border garden, or even as a gift for multiple people. The mix is also designed to bloom from spring through fall, ensuring a steady supply of nectar and pollen for local pollinators.

The packaging is simple but attractive, with each packet featuring a clean white design that works well as a party favor or gift. The seeds are 100% pure with no fillers, and the company is a US-based family operation from Montana, which adds a nice touch of authenticity. One minor drawback is that, like all seeds, germination rates depend on soil quality and planting conditions. Some gardeners might find that a few seeds don't sprout if planted in less-than-ideal spots. Also, since these are annuals, you'll need to replant each year to keep the garden going.

Overall, the Camas Pollinator Supply Wildflower Seed Packets are a solid choice for anyone who wants to attract pollinators with minimal effort. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this set offers a convenient way to support bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while enjoying a colorful garden. It's also a great gift option for nature lovers, and the 20-pack provides plenty of seeds to share or use across a larger area.

The Three Company's Live Flowering Bee Balm delivers a two-pack of young plants in assorted pink and purple shades. This native perennial is a magnet for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for anyone building a pollinator-friendly garden. The plants arrive in 1-quart pots, ready to transplant into your outdoor space.

The standout quality here is the pollinator appeal. Even before the buds fully open, bees start investigating. Once established, the blooms create a lively, colorful display that lasts through summer. The fragrant foliage is a bonus, with a minty scent that adds another layer of garden enjoyment. Growing these plants is straightforward: give them full sun and moist, well-draining soil, water deeply every week or two, and they'll reward you with vigorous growth.

Build quality varies. Many customers report healthy, green plants that transplant well and take off quickly. However, a significant number mention broken stems, rotting leaves, or plants that arrived in poor condition due to packaging that doesn't always protect the tops. The root systems are generally healthy, but the above-ground portion can suffer during shipping. If you get a good batch, these are robust starter plants; if not, you may need to baby them back to health.

Drawbacks center on consistency. Some plants never bloomed in their first season, and a few arrived beyond saving. The compact size (10 inches tall, 4 inches wide at shipping) means these aren't mature flowering bushes right out of the box. They need time and proper care to reach their full potential. Also, the assorted colors mean you won't know exactly which shade you're getting until the flowers open.

Overall, this bee balm pack is a worthwhile investment for gardeners who want to support pollinators with a native plant. The price is reasonable for two live plants, and the potential payoff in butterfly visits and summer color is high. Just be prepared for possible shipping hiccups and give the plants a little extra TLC when they arrive. If you're patient and follow the care tips, you'll likely be rewarded with a thriving, fragrant addition to your garden.

Plant your bee balm in a spot that gets full sun for at least 6 hours a day. Use moist, well-draining soil and mix in some organic matter before planting. Water deeply at the base every 1-2 weeks, more often during hot, dry spells. Avoid overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew.

These plants are hardy in USDA zones 3-9. In colder regions, add a layer of mulch around the roots before winter. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. After the first frost, cut stems back to a few inches above the ground. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to keep them vigorous.

When your plants arrive, give them a few days to acclimate to outdoor conditions. Start with partial shade and gradually increase sun exposure. If any stems are broken, trim them cleanly and the plant should recover. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first week after transplanting to help roots establish.

The POLLIBEE Mason Bee House is a thoughtfully crafted solution for gardeners who want to support local pollinators without the hassle of traditional beekeeping. Designed specifically for solitary mason bees, this wooden bee house comes fully assembled and ready to hang, making it accessible even for beginners. It is ideal for anyone with a garden, orchard, or even a small patio who wants to increase pollination for flowers, fruits, and vegetables in a natural, low-maintenance way.

One of the standout features is the use of replaceable paper tubes. Unlike permanent bamboo or plastic tubes that can harbor mold and disease, these 5/16 inch diameter, 6 inch long tubes can be removed each year for cleaning or replacement. This simple design choice promotes a healthier environment for bees and makes it easy for beekeepers to harvest cocoons. The house itself is made from natural cedar wood and coated with beeswax, which provides a good level of water resistance and durability. Many users report that it holds up well through rain and even harsh winters, as one reviewer noted after a Vermont winter. The included stainless steel screw clasp and hanging kit (rope, hooks, nails) make installation straightforward on a tree or wall.

In terms of real-world performance, the bee house attracts mason bees quickly. Several reviewers mentioned seeing bees move in soon after setting it up. The sturdy construction and attractive appearance are frequently praised, with comments like beautifully crafted and nice looking in the garden. However, some users have pointed out a few drawbacks. The metal hardware, particularly the screws and clasp, may rust if exposed to frequent rain. One reviewer mentioned that the unit tends to fall apart over time, though this seems to be less common. A couple of customers also noted that a few tubes were missing from their unit, which could be a quality control issue.

Overall, the POLLIBEE Mason Bee House offers a solid balance of quality, convenience, and eco-friendliness. Its replaceable tubes and wax-coated cedar construction set it apart from many competitors. While the hardware could be more rust-resistant and occasional quality control issues exist, the vast majority of reviews are positive. For gardeners looking to support pollinators with a simple, effective, and attractive bee house, this is a reliable choice. Just be prepared to possibly upgrade the hardware or check for missing tubes upon arrival.

If you are looking for a simple, low-cost way to keep your backyard bees hydrated, the Bee Watering Station 2 Pack is worth a look. Designed to screw onto standard canning jars (both regular and wide mouth), this silicone tray turns any jar into an instant bee waterer. It is especially handy for gardeners and hobbyist beekeepers who want to support pollinators without a big investment. The bright orange color helps bees find the water quickly, and the honeycomb pattern on the tray gives them a safe place to drink without the risk of drowning.

In real-world use, the feeder performs as advertised. Several reviewers noted that bees started drinking within minutes of setting it up. The tray holds water via surface tension in the small holes, so bees can land and sip without getting stuck. The silicone material feels durable yet flexible enough to create a tight seal with the jar threads. Cleaning is straightforward — just rinse with warm water and a mild soap. The 2-pack design is a nice bonus, letting you place one near the hive and another in a garden bed or on a patio table.

That said, there are a couple of points to keep in mind. A few users found that honey bees could squeeze through the holes into the jar when using narrow-mouth jars. The manufacturer recommends wide-mouth jars, and reviewers who followed that advice had no issues. Also, because the feeder sits flat on a surface, it must be on level ground to avoid spillage. If you have a busy hive, the jar may empty faster than expected, so plan to refill every few days during hot weather.

Build quality is solid for the price. The silicone feels sturdy and should hold up to sun and rain. The honeycomb pattern is well proportioned — large enough for multiple bees to feed but with holes small enough to keep them from falling in. One reviewer mentioned that the bees stopped coming after about a week, but that could be due to other water sources nearby or seasonal changes. Overall, the product does what it promises: provides a simple, safe water station for bees.

For anyone who wants to help honey bees without a complicated setup, this 2-pack is a smart buy. It is affordable, easy to use, and effective. Just be sure to use wide-mouth jars and set it on a level spot. With those simple precautions, it will give your local pollinators a reliable place to hydrate all season long.

The RGJSTRORE 4 Pack Bee Watering Station is a thoughtful, attractive way to support pollinators in your garden. These flower-shaped metal cups come with glass marbles and detachable stakes, making them easy to place among your plants. They are designed for small spaces - balconies, flower beds, or pots - and work well for both bees and butterflies.

One standout feature is the glass marbles. They raise the water level so bees can drink without falling in, and they give the insects a firm foothold. Many users note that the vibrant colors, especially purple, draw in bees and butterflies quickly. Setup is straightforward: you attach the stakes, pop in the marbles, and fill with water or a sugar solution. The metal stakes hold the station firmly in the ground, even in light wind.

However, the cups are on the smaller side. In hot, dry climates like Arizona or California, the water can evaporate within a day. Several reviewers mention needing to refill daily. Also, a few customers had trouble with the plastic connection between the stakes breaking after repeated use. While these are not deal-breakers, they are worth noting if you live in a very hot area or plan to move them frequently.

Overall, this bee watering station delivers on its promise: it is cute, functional, and pollinators love it. It makes a lovely gift for gardening enthusiasts or anyone looking to create a pollinator-friendly yard. Just keep an eye on the water level during summer heat waves, and you will have happy bees all season long.

The ANGAR 2 Pack Silicone Bee Feeder is a practical, no-fuss solution for providing water or sugar water to your bees. It screws onto any standard or wide-mouth mason jar, turning it into a gravity-fed station that releases liquid only as bees drink it. This design is especially helpful during hot, dry spells or early spring when natural nectar and water sources are scarce. Both new beekeepers and experienced apiarists will find it straightforward to set up and maintain.

The standout feature is the hexagonal groove pattern on the silicone tray. It gives bees plenty of room to land and access the liquid from all sides without the risk of drowning, a common problem with open water dishes. Reviews highlight that this feeder dramatically reduces bee losses compared to hay-filled buckets or shallow pans. The small water outlet is another thoughtful detail: it keeps the jar's contents clean and prevents bees from crawling inside, which also means less debris in the water supply.

Build quality is solid the silicone is thick enough to hold its shape, yet flexible enough to form a tight seal with the jar. It stays pliable in cold weather and doesn't crack in the sun. Cleaning is easy just rinse or toss in soapy water. The two-pack is a nice bonus, letting you place multiple stations around your garden or hive entrance. Some users noted that the yellow color can fade after a few months of direct sunlight, but the feeder's function remains unaffected.

On the downside, a handful of reviewers mentioned that the feeder can leak if the jar is not screwed on very securely when inverted, potentially causing a mess. Also, a few bees have gotten their heads wedged in the channel openings, though this seems to be an isolated issue that can be mitigated by checking the feeder regularly. Overall, these are minor quirks that don't overshadow the product's effectiveness.

In the end, the ANGAR bee feeder delivers on its promise: it keeps bees hydrated with minimal effort and fewer casualties. If you're looking for a reliable, affordable way to support your pollinators, this two-pack is a smart buy. It works for honeybees, bumblebees, and even other garden insects like wasps and crickets. Just make sure you screw the jar on tightly and place it on a level surface, and you'll have a happy, healthy bee station all season long.

The RGJSTRORE 4 Pack Bee Watering Station is a practical and attractive way to support pollinators in your garden. Each station features a metal cup shaped like a flower in bright blue, yellow, green, or purple. The included glass marbles sit inside the cup, allowing bees and butterflies to drink safely without falling into the water. The set comes with two metal stakes and one U-shaped stake per station, so you can adjust the height and keep it stable in soil or pots.

Assembly is straightforward just link the stakes, add the marbles, and pour in water or nectar. The reinforced joints hold well and don't loosen easily, which is a common problem with cheaper feeders. The U-shaped stake grips the ground firmly, so the station stays upright even in mild wind. This is a nice upgrade from simple plastic dishes that blow away or tip over.

The flower design is more than cosmetic. It helps the feeder blend into your garden, making it less obtrusive while still attracting bees and butterflies from a distance. The paint is sprayed on and described as harmless to animals, which is reassuring. However, the metal construction may rust over time if left out in heavy rain, so bringing them inside during bad weather could extend their life.

One thing to note is that the glass marbles are small and could be a choking hazard for children or pets. Keep them out of reach when not in use. Also, because the water level should stay below the marble height, you'll need to top it off regularly and clean the cup to prevent algae or mosquito larvae. This is typical for any bee waterer and a small price to pay for helping local pollinators.

Overall, the RGJSTRORE 4 Pack Bee Watering Station is a solid choice for gardeners who want an easy, attractive way to provide water for bees and butterflies. The adjustable stakes, stable base, and safe marble design make it more effective than a simple bowl of water. If you're looking for a decorative yet functional addition to your yard or patio, this set delivers good value for the price.

The Retyion 6 Pack Bee Watering Station offers a colorful and practical solution for supporting local pollinators. Designed as flower-shaped metal bowls on adjustable stakes, these stations are meant to attract bees and butterflies while providing a safe drinking spot. They are an excellent choice for gardeners who want to combine garden decoration with eco-friendly functionality.

The standout features are the bright, petal-like bowls in six different colors (red, green, blue, yellow, purple, deep red) that naturally draw in insects. The adjustable stakes allow you to set each station at a different height, so you can place them among flowers, in vegetable beds, or along fences. Assembly is simple and tool-free just screw the bowl onto the stake and push the ground plug into soil. Many reviewers note that bees and butterflies start using the stations almost immediately, especially when water is kept shallow or with small rocks or beads for landing.

Build quality uses metal painted with a weather-resistant finish, which holds up well against sun and rain. The stakes feel sturdy enough to stay put in most garden soil, and the bowls haven't shown rusting in early reports. The one-piece ground plug design makes installation easy and removal quick. However, the bowls are on the smaller side, holding only a limited amount of water, so you might need to refill daily during hot, dry spells. A few customers have reported receiving incomplete sets with a missing piece, so it is wise to inspect the package soon after delivery.

Overall, the Retyion Bee Watering Station delivers on its promise: an attractive, functional way to help bees and butterflies stay hydrated. The vibrant colors and simple setup make it a joy to use, and the six-pack offers good coverage without breaking the bank. For gardeners who want to support pollinators with minimal effort and maximum color, this product is a solid choice.