to even more pollen collection, which results in vigorous hive strength and increased pollination in the orchard overall. By planting early-blooming cover crop varieties in the fall, growers can initiate this hive response before the almond bloom. Even if cold or wet weather is on the horizon, bees with access to cover crops are more likely to be geared up and ready at the first sign of good weather. Another “unknown” that Miller has experienced firsthand is the potential for unintentional pesticide exposure from neighboring farms. As the almond bloom progresses and flowers open each day, pollen released from the anthers is collected and removed by the bees by mid-afternoon (if you see bees carrying pollen late in the day, after 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm, you probably don’t have enough bees in the orchard). When the bees have stripped that day’s pollen, they will go looking for other sources of food. Having flowers in the orchard from a blooming cover crop will keep the bees in your orchard.
Miller shared a story about an almond orchard that was experiencing significant bee die-offs at the tail end of bloom. They had to remove bees earlier than necessary, rushing to move their bees due to an unknown source of pesticide poisoning. Without a diversity of forage in the orchard, bees were traveling to nearby farms and getting exposed to pesticides. However, the next year the grower planted cover crops, which kept the floral resources local and anchored the bees right there in the orchard. Miller says, “Like night and day, they stopped seeing the pesticide kill.” In the morning, bees pollinated the almonds, and throughout the day they stayed in the cover crop with no need to scout for additional sources. They were able to keep the bees in longer without worrying about them getting into trouble at nearby farms. Planting cover crops and bee habitat is a win-win for the grower and the beekeeper. Cover crops not only support bigger colonies but can also save your beekeeper on inputs and labor. Bees are healthier when eating a diverse, natural diet, which can reduce costs for labor and artificial food sources. Miller says that feeding bees artificial pollen patties “is like eating macaroni and cheese three meals a day.” Bees are not as healthy with such limited provisions; their immune systems are down, and they aren’t as vigorous or resilient as they could be. Many
beekeepers, including Miller, are willing to offer a discount on pollination services if you plant cover crops. He says, “If you’re putting your best foot forward for bee health, I’ll put my best bees forward!” The health of the almond industry and the bee industry are intrinsically tied. Miller suggests that taking care of your bees,
PAm.’s Annual Clover Mix, a reliable nitrogen-fixer, can bloom from March — June to extend forage resources for pollinators through the season. Image Credit: Project Apis m. — Seeds for Bees ® participant photo submission
whether that’s through reduced pesticides, fewer artificial inputs or planting cover crops, will benefit you both at bloom time and in subsequent years. If you’re managing your orchard with pollinator health in mind and bees start healthy in your orchard, it’s going to pay dividends. “There are more reasons to plant cover crops than may be obvious at first,” says Miller. The growers he is acquainted with who plant cover crops or hedgerows for pollinators have shared that they tend to see the connections between all these aspects on the farm. Soil health, nematodes, pests, weed pressure, nutrients and crop productivity are all positively impacted, he says, “all the benefits start to add up.”
Hives that have access to natural pollen sources early in the year result in bigger colonies and increased pollination potential. Image Credit: Project Apis m.
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