Jessica Carlson 

Otter Tail County Master Gardener Intern 

In a growing movement to support pollinators and reduce traditional turf maintenance, Minnesotans are turning their lawns into vibrant, living habitats. A bee lawn is not a weedy free-for-all, nor is it an unkempt patch of clover. It’s a thoughtfully designed blend of turfgrass and low growing flowers that provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators while still being durable enough for backyard use. 

So what’s in a Bee Lawn? The University of MN Bee Lab developed a special “Bee Lawn Mix”. It includes a mix of fine fescue grasses (which are known for being drought-tolerant and slow-growing) as well as some low growing flowers. Dutch white clover (Trifolium repens), Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris), Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) with some mixes including Yaak Yarrow. These plants were chosen because they can handle mowing, foot traffic, and Minnesota’s climate, while providing critical nectar and pollen. 

Before jumping into planting, take time to evaluate your current lawn. A full renovation isn’t always necessary—sometimes overseeding into existing grass is enough. Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself if you are considering a bee lawn. Are you ready to reimagine your lawn? Bee lawns look more natural and varied than a manicured lawn. They’re meant to be functional and biodiverse—not golf course perfect. If over half your lawn is weeds or bare patches, a full renovation may be your best bet. Are you willing to reduce chemical use? Herbicides, especially broadleaf weed killers, will harm bee lawn flowers. Transitioning to a bee lawn means shifting to natural or minimal-input lawn care. Consider your light exposure. Do you have sunny or partly sunny conditions? Bee lawn flowers need sun to bloom. Shaded lawns may support fescues but won’t flower well. Is your soil well-drained? Heavy clay or soggy soils may not support bee-friendly species. Soil testing and amending may be needed. Do you enjoy mowing less? Bee lawns thrive with infrequent mowing—every 3–4 weeks instead of weekly. If you answered “yes” to most of these, a bee lawn might be the perfect fit. 

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, late summer to early fall (mid-August to mid-September) is the best time to plant. Start by removing the existing turf and weeds. Then loosen the topsoil to make a good surface area to spread a bee lawn seed mix (available from local garden centers or UMN-recommended sources). Water regularly until established. Mow sparingly, about every 3–4 weeks. Bee lawns are lower maintenance over time, but early establishment is key. Water consistently in the first few weeks and avoid heavy use until the lawn fills in. 

To explore photos, detailed how-tos, and approved seed lists, visit the University of Minnesota Bee Lab and Extension resources at www.beelab.umn.edu and extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes.