Hello garden enthusiasts,
Last year, I spent time preparing a poor grassland area. About 40m² (430 ft²) was fully dug up, edging stones were installed, and mixed with sand. Now, I want to place an insect hotel in the middle. Unfortunately, I have no experience with this yet. I know there are ready-made hotels available, but some are built completely incorrectly and therefore not used by the insects.
Has anyone here dealt with this before and can share some advice? Or are there websites where especially good information can be found?
Since I’m just starting, I am wondering, for example:
- What is the best orientation to the sun?
- Should I design separate compartments for each type of insect (such as bee section, beetle section, lacewing section, etc.)?
- Can wild bees be housed together with other species? Or do some always need their own separate “home”?
- Where can I order "building materials" affordably?
I appreciate any advice!
Last year, I spent time preparing a poor grassland area. About 40m² (430 ft²) was fully dug up, edging stones were installed, and mixed with sand. Now, I want to place an insect hotel in the middle. Unfortunately, I have no experience with this yet. I know there are ready-made hotels available, but some are built completely incorrectly and therefore not used by the insects.
Has anyone here dealt with this before and can share some advice? Or are there websites where especially good information can be found?
Since I’m just starting, I am wondering, for example:
- What is the best orientation to the sun?
- Should I design separate compartments for each type of insect (such as bee section, beetle section, lacewing section, etc.)?
- Can wild bees be housed together with other species? Or do some always need their own separate “home”?
- Where can I order "building materials" affordably?
I appreciate any advice!
Wow, @Müllerin – that’s quite a tip! Thanks already.
There’s a problem though: the site is not sheltered from the wind. The meadow is completely free of trees so far – a lime tree has been planted but it’s only about 2m (6.5 feet) tall now. The hedge is still small and over 10m (33 feet) away. And we really have wind here. We are in a region where roofs were blown off twice during recent storms. The wind mostly comes from the west. The house will be on the south side, and wind from the north and east is rare. Would it be best to orient the house southeast? That way it still gets some sun and the wind hits from behind.
That’s why I can’t hang it. It should be a house on stilts. I hope it’s not all for nothing. ops:
I’ll check out the other points soon over a cozy cup of tea.
There’s a problem though: the site is not sheltered from the wind. The meadow is completely free of trees so far – a lime tree has been planted but it’s only about 2m (6.5 feet) tall now. The hedge is still small and over 10m (33 feet) away. And we really have wind here. We are in a region where roofs were blown off twice during recent storms. The wind mostly comes from the west. The house will be on the south side, and wind from the north and east is rare. Would it be best to orient the house southeast? That way it still gets some sun and the wind hits from behind.
That’s why I can’t hang it. It should be a house on stilts. I hope it’s not all for nothing. ops:
I’ll check out the other points soon over a cozy cup of tea.
H
hampshire13 Jan 2020 17:50Build a small entrance vestibule for the first year – a simple fence panel should be sufficient.
Post supports are perfectly fine! And a small linden tree won’t cause any problems – under a large one it would be too shady anyway. That shade will eventually change the plants growing in the lawn.
Hmm, the desired windbreak is mainly to make it easier for the bees to fly in. I have no idea to what extent strong wind actually deters bees. You’ll probably just have to test it – if nothing happens, you might consider relocating it next winter. You’ll have to try it out.
Hmm, the desired windbreak is mainly to make it easier for the bees to fly in. I have no idea to what extent strong wind actually deters bees. You’ll probably just have to test it – if nothing happens, you might consider relocating it next winter. You’ll have to try it out.
hampshire schrieb:
Build a small entrance vestibule for the first year – something like a fence panel should be enough.That would be too ugly for me, sorry. But I could make a solid back wall – that should help too, right?
Are 400 sqm (4300 sq ft) of wild growth enough? It has been an unmanaged grassy area and cottage garden for insects for about 30 years, or does it need additional care? The grassy area has naturally regenerated with wild blackberries, hazel, ferns, birch, and whatever has flown in, while the former cottage garden is planted with various shrubs and perennials. Both have been left to themselves since then.
There are many birds, although they only use the birdhouses sporadically. There seems to be enough food available.
I read over the weekend that sowing corn poppies, transplanted marigolds, and other bee-friendly plants near the vegetable beds is recommended. This would encourage hoverflies to settle, which help control aphids.
There are many birds, although they only use the birdhouses sporadically. There seems to be enough food available.
I read over the weekend that sowing corn poppies, transplanted marigolds, and other bee-friendly plants near the vegetable beds is recommended. This would encourage hoverflies to settle, which help control aphids.
I’ve also heard that hoverflies visit calendulas, so that could be worth trying. Blackberries and hazel are a good start – and perennials as well. You just need to observe what has established itself, whether there is a balance or if some plants dominate... Ultimately, anything that blooms and is native is beneficial. And leaving it a bit untidy works too. If you only want to intervene partially, I would look at the time of year when there are the fewest blooms and then add or replace some plants accordingly.
From what I have read from you so far, it seems you are already familiar with the concept of natural or wildlife-friendly gardening?
From what I have read from you so far, it seems you are already familiar with the concept of natural or wildlife-friendly gardening?