Neonicotinoids (neonics) are a class of insecticides similar to nicotine. Organically developed in the early 1990s, they are less toxic than the commonly used organophosphate and cabamates that had been the mainstay in the industry.
Neonics became popular in pest control due to their water solubility. This allows them to be applied to the soil and be taken up by the plant’s roots systemically. It also reduces the risk of insecticide drift from the target site.
Recently, the use of Neonics has been restricted in some countries due to a possible connection to Colony Collapse Disorder in honeybees. New research indicates that there is potential toxicity to bees through the low level contamination of pollen in agriculture.
Here at Untiedt’s, we have decided to err on the side of caution and attempt to avoid the use of Neonics whenever possible. We have a very large concern with this matter as we use bumblebees for pollinating in our high-tunnels, and we have substantial colonies of honeybees on our land for both pollinating and honey production.
You can do your part to help the bee populations by planting annuals and perennials that bloom at various times during the season.
Below is a short list of annual bedding plants we have available at our garden centers that will be a great addition to your garden.
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