Stop Tossing Old Terracotta Pots: Turn Them Into A Home For Backyard Bees

Bumblebees are a critter you want in your backyard. They are mighty pollinators that are essential to the ecosystem. Planting lavender and dandelions or using thrifted dishes to DIY a bee bath are proven to attract these fliers, and so is building a bumblebee nest box. After hibernating in the winter, the queen bee spends spring nesting and building a new colony. Bumblebee hives are typically underground and often the abandoned nest of another animal.

However, instead of having the queen search for an old rat den, you can make her job easier with an old terracotta pot. Use it as the base, and create a nest for your local bumblebees. In addition, you'll need dry grass or moss and rocks. It's a simple outdoor project, and you can make several to give the bees options. Plus, it's a clever way to reuse broken plant pots and dead foliage.

The first step in nest-building is to pick a cozy spot. Bumblebee nests are usually on the ground, so you'll want to prop the pot upside down against the base of a tree or wall. They like to rest in cozy spaces, so the center of your garden is probably too busy for these bees. The best area for your nest will have lots of sunlight and protection from the rain. You can even dig a hole to slightly bury it, mimicking the natural underground habitat.

Next, fill the terracotta pot with the dry grass or moss. Small logs with hollow cavities also make a suitable filler. In your chosen location, lean the filled pot at an angle, making sure it won't topple over. Then surround the opening with rocks or more broken pot pieces, leaving enough space for the bees to come in and out. That's it — now just let the bees come to you! This is an easy project to attract these critters. And it's worth trying, even if it's not as pretty as planting colorful flowers in your yard that bees love.