Maximum Yield USA August/September 2020 | Page 53

NEW NEW Bees love borage. I mean they really, really love borage. Borage can be grown as an annual in all zones and blooms from late spring through summer. It is a very nutrient-rich plant whose leaves taste mildly of cucumbers. You can use its leaves as a garnish, add them to salads, or chop and drop the leaves to feed the other plants in your garden once they are spent. Cosmos are a beautiful and delightful addition to any garden. They come in a variety of colors and can be grown as annuals in all zones, and possible perennials in zones 9-11. They feed the bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths from late spring until first frost. They are very easy to direct sow outdoors. After the last frost, simply scatter their seeds on bare soil in the spring. They are versatile and hardy, growing well in poor soil and drought conditions, and prefer warm, dry weather. Echinacea, or coneflowers, offer so many benefits that they deserve a spot in everyone’s garden. Not only do they provide nectar to bees and butterflies, but they have powerful medicinal benefits for us. They are hardy perennials that grow well in zones 3-10 and bloom from midsummer through fall. They love the sun, prefer heat, and are drought tolerant. Sow them outdoors a couple of weeks before last frost and they should germinate in 10-20 days. Now that you have a better idea of how to protect and help our pollinator friends, I challenge you to plant an all-youcan-eat buffet for them in your own garden this year. Every little bit helps. NEW 600W DOUBLE-ENDED HPS & MH . They This is SHIO. Gro ™ 800.838.7446 І www.ushio.com/hiluxgro Maximum Yield 27