[ExI] bees again

[MB]

> Squash
> bees nest in
> the ground near to squash plants and tilling the ground
> and spraying
> insecticide will probably kill them off. So modern farming
> practice
> often means that farmers have to bring in hives of honey
> bees to make
> sure all their plants get pollinated.
>

Yes, this would be likely.

Although my local bee keepers are having trouble with
their hives, plants are being pollinated by beetles, ants,
native bees, moths, butterflies.  I saw very few honeybees
this summer, but it was the best ever for green beans,
yellow squash, and tomatoes.... not to mention cucumbers
and nasturtiums and moonflowers. :)

Tilling the ground has a definite downside.  I don't do it.

But I'm small time gardening, not agri-business.

Regards,
MB