Bee drinking trough in the garden: how to promote bees and biodiversity in Switzerland

If you want to actively do something for biodiversity and sustainable gardening in your own garden, you can make an immediate impact with a bee drinking trough. Bees ensure the pollination of many cultivated and wild plants, but on hot summer days they often lack a safe watering place. A simply constructed bee drinking trough in the garden provides reliable water, reduces stress for honey bees and wild bees and prevents risky alternative locations such as pools or watering cans.

In this article, you will learn why a bee drinking trough in the garden makes sense, which materials are convincing in everyday life in Switzerland, how to plan a child-safe location and how to build the trough step by step. We also show you how to look after the bee drinking trough, avoid typical mistakes and use the project as a learning moment for children. In this way, you can promote biodiversity on your doorstep with little effort and create a lively, natural garden.

Why are bee drinking troughs important for the garden?

The role of bees in the ecosystem

Bees pollinate a large proportion of our fruit, vegetables and many wild plants and thus stabilize the ecological balance in the garden. Switzerland is home to over 600 species of wild bees, whose habitats and food supplies are dwindling; a well-placed bee drinker provides them with additional water. Agroscope provides background knowledge on pollination with practical information for gardens and agriculture. agroscope.admin.ch

On hot days, bees need water for drinking, hive cooling and brood care. If there are no shallow, safe sources of water, they switch to unsuitable places; a stable bee drinking trough in the garden provides a remedy here and directs the animals to a reliable, clean water source.

Influence of water sources on the bee population

If bees find a constant, safe watering place, they remember the location and return regularly. This reduces the risk of accidents at pools or rain barrels, and other pollinators such as hoverflies also benefit. For families, observation quickly becomes a nature project that promotes a sense of responsibility and makes seasonal relationships visible.

Which materials are suitable for bee drinking troughs in Switzerland?

Natural materials vs. artificial alternatives

Weatherproof, pollutant-free materials that blend harmoniously into the garden are suitable for a bee drinking trough. Natural raw materials are particularly practical because they store water, are durable and provide good support for the animals. This means that the bee drinking trough remains usable even on hot days.

• Natural materials: clay saucers, pebbles and stones, ceramic bowls, sandstone, wooden frame with pond liner
• Artificial alternatives: food-safe plastic saucers, robust glass or PET bowls

Untreated ceramic or clay saucers are ideal because the rough surface acts as a landing aid and slows down evaporation. Make sure that all elements of the bee drinking trough are non-toxic and splinter-free.

Availability and sustainability in the Swiss region

Many materials are available locally or from nearby DIY and garden stores. Products made in Switzerland or with FSC certification are recommended; clay and ceramic saucers can be found for example at Coop Bau+Hobby or Do it + Garden. Reusing existing saucers, bowls or corks saves resources and reduces waste.

Avoid painted, fumes-emitting plastics and slippery surfaces without texture. For more practical tips on promoting wild bees in a natural garden, it is worth taking a look at Pro Natura's nature tips. pronatura.ch/en/nature-tips

How do I plan a safe bee drinking trough for children and pets?

Safety aspects for families with children

A bee drinking trough only needs a few centimetres of water and can therefore be designed very safely. Use flat, tilt-proof containers without sharp edges and, if possible, use recessed solutions in the floor. Discuss the function of the bee drinking trough with children; those who know its purpose will treat the water point with care.

Glass elements may look pretty, but they can splinter and get very warm in the sun. Clay and ceramic are better, as they are robust, non-slip and temperature-stable and give the bee drinking trough additional stability.

Choice of location and space requirements in the garden

Choose a semi-shady, wind-protected spot for the bee drinking trough near flowering plants, herb beds or fruit trees. Avoid bright midday sun so that the water does not overheat or evaporate too quickly. A diameter of 20 to 30 centimetres is sufficient; shallow entrances and sufficient landing places are crucial.

Stones, clay balls, wood wool and pieces of cork create safe stepping surfaces. Keep away from seating areas, busy paths or animal drinking troughs to avoid irritation. Pet owners can prevent dogs or cats from drinking the bee drinker empty or knocking it over.

Step-by-step instructions for making a bee drinker

Materials and tools required

• A flat clay or ceramic saucer (ø approx. 25-30 cm)
• Pebbles, natural stones or boiled pieces of wood as landing aids
• Optional: Moss, clay balls, cork disks for additional treads
• Clean water, ideally rainwater or stagnant tap water without additives
• Optional: small hand shovel, pond liner for embedded variants

Almost everything can be found in the household or locally in shops. Clean used elements thoroughly before filling the bee trough.

Detailed instructions for different types of bee drinkers

Variant 1: Classic drinker with saucer

• Place a sturdy clay or ceramic saucer on a flat, tilt-proof surface.
• Cover the bottom with pebbles or flat stones as non-slip landing places.
• Fill with water to just below the top edge of the stones to prevent bees from slipping into the water.
• Add pieces of cork or moss to provide additional footholds and better orientation.
• Position the bee drinking trough in partial shade; check the water level daily on hot days.

Variant 2: Recessed drinker with stone basin

• Use a shallow stone or concrete basin, for example a robust bird bath.
• Sink it halfway into the ground for more stability and low-barrier access.
• Insert textured stones, clay balls and cork; avoid smooth glass nuggets.
• Top up with water and clean the bee drinking trough thoroughly every two to three days.

Both variants can be implemented in just a few minutes, are durable and fit into any home garden. Combining the bee drinker with native flowering plants increases the benefits for pollinators in addition. Additional background information on the importance of pollination can be found at Agroscope. agroscope.admin.ch

Care and avoid common mistakes

Maintenance tips for a long-lasting beehive

A beehive is easy to care for, but requires regular checks for hygiene and safety. Rinse the tray every two to three days with hot water and a brush; cleaning agents are not necessary. Change the water frequently, especially during dry periods with many hot days.

• Top up the water in good time and keep the height just below the edge of the stone.
• Check landing aids for tight fit; replace slippery elements.
• Do not add sugar, honey or salt; these attract pests and harm the animals.
• In case of frost, store or cover the beehive to prevent material damage.

This simple routine will keep the beehive attractive, clean and safe in the long term - also for other beneficial insects.

Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

To ensure that the bee drinker provides reliable help, avoid deep containers without landing aids. Do not place the bowl in direct sunlight and change the water regularly to prevent mosquito larvae or algae problems from becoming established. If possible, use rainwater or stagnant tap water to minimize the smell of chlorine and limescale.

• Too deep containers without structure lead to dangerous slippery areas.
• Sunny locations overheat the water; partial shade is ideal.
• Infrequent cleaning encourages germs; short, regular maintenance works best.

If you pay attention to these points, you will have a bee drinking trough that works reliably for years and noticeably supports the local pollinator fauna with little effort.

Conclusion: A small contribution with a big impact

A bee drinking trough is an uncomplicated DIY project with great benefits for the garden and nature. It stabilizes pollinator visits, makes ecological processes visible and can be perfectly combined with native flowering plants. The result is a natural, living garden on a minimal budget.

Get started now: Build a bee drinking trough, choose a location, maintain it regularly - and observe the diverse visitors. Start your garden project now and discover more tips.