Loads of people love having bees in their garden because it’s good for their crops. Bees are vital pollinators which help produce more fruit, vegetables and seeds, leading to a healthier outdoor space.
They’re essential for the reproduction of many plants and support the local ecosystem. Bees also contribute to the biodiversity of your garden and the wider environment.
Now one gardener revealed how planting one specific bulb can attract busy bees to your crops.
TikTok user @gardensbylily began her video by showing followers the “two things” she will be planting in November, one of which is perfect for your other crops.
She said garlic and spring flower bulbs are the two items to plant now if you want to set yourself up for success come next spring. Here is what you need to know.
1. Garlic
The gardener added: “First of all, garlic. It’s the perfect time to plant garlic for next year. You break them into separate cloves and then you put them pointy side up and just stick them into the Earth.
“So easy and next year you’re gonna have loads of big bulbs of garlic.”
Planting garlic in November is ideal as it already requires a period of cold weather to develop into a healthy bulb.
The cool temperatures of November trigger the necessary hormonal changes for good bulb formation, while also giving the plant a long growing season to establish strong roots before the main growth spurt in spring.
2. Spring flower bulbs
Lily added: “And secondly, I’m planting some spring flower bulbs, like tulips and other things so they’re ready for early spring to attract pollinators, so hopefully my zucchini next year will be a little bit more successful.
“Then I just add a little bit more compost to make it nutrient dense, water it and then you’re done for November.”
Again, planting these in November can be ideal because it gives the roots time to establish in the still-warm soil before winter, and the cool soil prevents premature sprouting and diseases.
Also it’s worth noting this cool period is necessary for the bulbs as going through a chilling process is vital for them to bloom vibrantly in spring.
But planting too early can lead to weak shoots which are damaged by frost.
Why is it important to plant certain vegetables in November?
There are cool-weather vegetables like leafy greens (lettuce, spinach and kale), root vegetables (carrots, beetroots and radishes), and alliums (garlic and shallots) which are ideal to plant now.
Additionally, November is a good time to plant spring-flowering bulbs and winter bedding plants.
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