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At AquaSource we strive to work in harmony with our natural world, and we're committed to helping bees and other pollinating insects, but we need your help!
From 17th April, we will be sending out a packet of mixed wildflower seeds with every AquaSource order. Our seeds have been specifically selected to appeal to bees and pollinating insects, so let's plant them and support their amazing work.
How to take part
Simply take your packet of specially selected wildflower seeds and head to your garden or balcony and get planting. (Follow our handy 'How to sow your seeds' guide below.)
We're also delighted to be holding a Facebook Live Plant-a-thon at 11am on 20th and 21st May 2023 in our Facebook group AquaSource Distributors UK & EU
and we'd love for you to join us and plant your seeds at the same time. Let's share the moment of helping to make a difference together.
Please do share photos and videos of you and your family planting the seeds here. We'd love to see how you get on.
Why Bees?
It's no exaggeration to say that the bees are vital to life; one in every three bites of food we eat relies on pollinating insects. They also help to provide half of the world's fibre and oils, supply food for wildlife, prevent soil erosion and create medicine. Amazing, right?
Sadly our bee population is falling due to loss of habitat, the effects of climate breakdown and exposure to pesticides.
Did you know that there are around 20,000 known species of bee globally? Around 270 species of bee have been recorded in the UK. Only one of these is the famous 'Honey Bee.'
Also, almost 90% of wild plants and 75% of leading global crops depend on annimal pollination.
Source: The WWF
Our AquaSource AloeFresh product contains 12 plant ingredients which all depend on pollination by insects.
Get InvolvedSeed watch
After you've planted your seeds, we'd love for you to get involved in Seed Watch once again this year by sending us photos and videos of how your seeds are growing.
Please do take pictures and videos and post here in our Facebook group.
How to sow your seeds
It's easy, fun and rewarding to help the bees in your local area. Follow our step by step instructions below and help to 'bee' the difference in 2023.
If you live in an apartment or have no access to a garden, you can still take part! Try using hanging baskets, large plant pots or planters instead.
Prepare the ground by clearing the existing plants and grass. It’s particularly important to remove vigorous perennial weeds such as stinging nettles, docks and couch grass. In wildlife areas this is best done by hand.
Dig the soil over and firm it well before raking to create a level seed bed. Avoid using any fertilisers or manure as this encourages grass growth which crowds out the wild flowers.
If your soil is very fertile and you’d like to grow a perennial wild flower meadow you can try stripping away the top 5-10cm (2-4”) of soil to reduce fertility.
Sow the seeds at 1 pack (5g) per square metre.
Rake the area lightly after sowing and cover with netting to protect from birds and cats. Ensure the soil is kept moist during hot, dry periods for the best germination.
How to share your photos
1. Capture the moment
Be sure to take photos or videos of you getting hands on planting your seeds, and hopefully you'll have some volunteers to help you! You are doing amazing work, and we can't wait to see it.
2. Upload your photos
To ensure your photos remain in the highest quality, please upload them to a file sharing service such as WeTransfer or pCloud. These services are free to use and will generate a link for you to share with us.
3. Send us your photos
The final step is to complete the short form below, importantly including a link to your photos. Please do not send us your photos via any other method, as we may not be able to include them in a future video we are planning to create.
WeTransfer (free)
WeTransfer allows you to upload files of up to 2 GB (2,000 MB) for free and then send them securely with a quick link which you can provide to us.
pCloud (free)
pCloud's file sharing allows you to upload and send files of up to 5 GB (5,000 MB) for free and then generate a link which you can provide to us.
Insect Watch
Later this summer, once your seeds have grown and are flowering you should see lots of insects and pollinators busy on the plants.
We will be holding our ‘Insect Watch’ weekend – look out for more information on how you can join in on our Facebook group.
Thank you for ‘Beeing the Change with AquaSource’.