What are they after?

[BugsInABox]

For the last week my bees have been really interested in the compost around some primroses (newly planted) - to the extent they are actually burrowing into it. Thought initially it was water but as the compost dried they've remained keen? Any idea what's attracting them?

 

[Ian123]

I would still be inclined to think it’s moisture but they are having to burrow a bit further down.

 

[Apiarisnt]

Bees' preferred drink

Had the same here. Plenty of fresh water but they much preferred some manky old compost from last year. I can only guess that there is some mineral in there which they feel a need for

 

[Curly green finger's]

Ive noticed this with the pots I've watered, they love the compost for moisture.

 

[BugsInABox]

Makes sense. They much prefer this pot to others. Interestingly I watered this one with the water from the goldfish bowl when I swapped it out last week.

 

[Curly green finger's]

Makes sense. They much prefer this pot to others. Interestingly I watered this one with the water from the goldfish bowl when I swapped it out last week.

I water some of the pots by the house using grey water they like that allso.

 

[enrico]

Put a shallow pot with moss and clean water in it where the pot is. See if you can train them to like the good stuff!
E

 

[Murox]

I have to confess that mine drink from all sorts of mucky sources, as well as a spring which rises near the site.

 

[thedozzer]

You can put a nice big A4 size potting tray, filled with gravel next to the hive for them, use rain water, pond water or even water with a tiny bit of salt. But that will be of little interest, if there is a plant pot with a covering of nicely rotted horse manure, that has recently been watered!!