Join us on the Good Growing podcast as we dive into the fascinating world of bees with horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson. In this episode, we explore the differences between honeybees and native bees, their roles in our ecosystems, and the ongoing debate surrounding their impact on agriculture and conservation.

Our special guest, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Sreelakshmi Suresh, shares their extensive experience in bee research, including insights into honeybee foraging, the waggle dance, and the challenges facing bee populations today. Discover how honeybees and native bees contribute to pollination, the economic implications of honeybee declines, and the importance of preserving native bee habitats.

Whether you're a beekeeper, gardener, or simply curious about bees, this episode is packed with valuable information and engaging discussions. Tune in to learn more about the buzz around bees and how you can support these vital pollinators.

Watch us on YouTube! https://youtu.be/RbTg_6SFYwE

Skip to what you want to know:
00:34 Hey Ken! How is spring treating us with the recent freeze?
01:52 Welcome, Sreelakshmi Suresh!
02:35 What is the difference between honeybees and North American native bees? Are they at odds?
04:11 Sreelakshmi's background and experience with bees
07:58 What is a honeybee waggle dance?
12:41 What's with the recent headlines of honeybee hives being lost at record rates?
16:16 What does the loss of honeybees mean for our food system, and should we all keep bees to help?
26:19    Do honeybees harm native bees?
37:58    Can honeybees and native bees coexist in a high-quality prairie?
45:56 Can honeybees' foraging preferences influence a native plant community?
50:33 How many species of bees are there in the world? In Illinois?
53:00 Talking about our favorite bees
55:51 Carpenter bee fun fact
57:22 Thank yous and see you next week!