We've added NEW "BEE FRIENDLY" seed varieties!!!
We'll start with growing Bee Balm. Why grow Bee Balm?
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| Lemon Bee Balm |
#2 to repel Mosquitoes! Bee balm’s scent is an effective mosquito repellent, but generally works best when its leaves are crushed to release the fragrant oils
#3 beneficial for Tomatoes! Bee balm, planted in proximity to your tomato plants, will improve “both the growth and the flavor of tomatoes."
Growing Bee Balm from Seed
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rich, well-drained soil. Although it will tolerate drought, bee balm will do much better if it gets adequate moisture.
Sow seeds at the surface and push gently into soil, needs light to germinate, with no more than 1/8" deep in seed starting formula. Keep evenly moist to dry- not soaked. Seedlings emerge in 14-25 days.
Bi-annual plant that blooms in the second year, with the first year devoted to root growth. Bee Balm seed does not require any cold treatment, but germination will improve with several weeks of cold stratification. Germinates in two to three weeks at a rate of 60 to 70 percent. TRANSPLANT seedlings after all danger of frost has passed, then plant out in light soil 10" apart.
Caring for Bee Balm
Every 3 or 4 years, dig up and divide the plants. Discard the old center section and replant the outer roots and shoots. Bee balm can get powdery mildew. To avoid mildew, plant where there is good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Also cut back plants in the fall, remove old stems, and clean up old mulch.
Companion Plants of Bea Balm
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8 comments:
Very interesting! It's a pretty plant, too :) I'm glad you came and linked up at my first ever: Together on Tuesdays! Come back any time, I'd love for you to :)
I love Bee Balm, it is so pretty and easy to grow. I have one growing in my back yard. I'll have to try growing some more from seeds, since it's such a good plant to have around. :-)
Keep your great organic and bee friendly ideas coming.... We love these little creatures and the good they do for our world! Thanks for linking up to our 50+ DIY GARDEN ideas...
I like to attract bees to the garden and love the look of the plant as well. Thanks for the tip!
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, and a great day to Say G'day!
Blessings,
Shari
I have learned more interesting and useful info in the two years I've been reading blogs. Blog land is fount of good info. Glad I clicked on this so I'd learn bout bee balm. good to know it's helpful to grow tomatoes and fend off mosquitos. How could a person go wrong growing this. Your post was so helpful, thanks for sharing this. Happy summer days.
Hi Mary,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful growing post on bee balm from seed with us at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop! We appreciate it!
How pretty!!! I'd love to try growing some. Thanks for sharing this at the HomeAcre Hop!
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