17
PESTICIDE BEE SAFETY
AND FORAGE
Growers should note that planting forage will require
attention to pesticide use and consideration of bees if
they are visiting the forage. If forage is planted in or
adjacent to orchards, it is important to carefully read
and follow pesticide label directions. For forage inside
the orchard, growers can reference these Honey Bee
Best Management Practices as a guide on how to
protect bees. As for forage outside orchards, many
pesticides can be used safely near bees as long as
label directions are followed.
FORAGE WATER REQUIREMENTS
When forage seeds are sowed in the fall, they should
germinate with normal precipitation in fall and early winter,
providing forage blossoms in time for honey bee colonies
when they arrive for almond bloom. However, seedling
growth should be monitored to determine if irrigation will
be needed to supplement rainfall. Planting bee forage in
early-to-mid October ensures the maximum rainfall-use
efficiency, though some available seed mixtures have a
low moisture requirement.
PROJECT APIS M. SEEDS FOR BEES PROGRAM:
Visit ProjectApism.org and click on the Forage tab
to learn more about the Seeds for Bees Program.
Growers will find a wealth of knowledge, including a
guide to planting cover crops, a forage resource guide
to seed mixes, and information on how Seeds for Bees
provides subsidized seed mixtures and seeds to
support honey bee health in California.
