Help! how do I help my Leafcutter!

[Soultrader69]

Hello! I was looking up solitary bees as I apparently am lucky enough to have a Leafcutter Bee currently building her nest in the bottom of a Flat-leaf Parsley plant pot. Will she be ok (and obviously her little ones when she abandons the nest) with me continuing to water the plant? I have warned everyone using the garden to leave the pot exactly where it is and I must say I am thrilled to have her in the garden and my youngest daughter has been fascinated watching her busily going back and forth with her pieces of leaf! Would love to ensure her little ones survive to join the world next Spring, any advice would be so appreciated! Many, many thanks:smile

[Geoff F]

If it is just a parsley plant I would be prepared to let that plant die and sow more seeds, there is still plenty of time.

You could cut off most of the foliage and freeze the leaves inside a loose plastic bag. That is how I store my tender herbs for the winter.

When you want to use some of the frozen leaves, just crumble them up still frozen, don't bother about thawing them before use.

[Soultrader69]

Yes...I was beginning to think along the lines of sacrificing the plant.I do have two or three others and for the joy of providing a home to our new garden resident a decision well worth making. The plant is currently stood on a garden picnic bench to keep out of reach of the slugs who seem to have a passion for it! I was wondering, once she has finished the nest and plugged the hole, if moving the pot (obviously leaving the nest entrance still exposed) would be a good idea? During the winter the pot will be very exposed where it is currently stood and I was thinking of locating a more sheltered and quiet spot for them to spend the Winter. I was also wondering if anybody had any idea how long it takes for her to actually complete the nest and then abandon it?

Also..thankyou for the wonderful tip on storing tender herbs, does this apply to most herbs? Currently growing Basils, Marjoram, oregano, curly parsley, Thyme and Coriander. Many thanks for the reply

[Geoff F]

Hopefully, one of our bee experts will help with more specific information about nest requirements but I understand that they prefer a sunny situation.

I would think that in your case the greatest current danger is from the pot getting knocked over so possibly placing it nearer the ground but facing the same direction may be advisable.

And yes all herb leaves freeze well. Just place whole dry leaves loosely inside a plastic bag with plenty of air so they freeze individually. After they are frozen, you can reduce the amount of air inside the bag but be careful to avoid breaking up the leaves.

When required, during the winter, just remove as many leaves as necessary and crush them in your hand while still frozen.