Sunset reminds us that planting a few sunflowers in the yard can help bees. Sunflowers are great for gardeners like us who have never had much of a green thumb, as they don't need much care. Plus, there's near immediate gratification, with growth from zero to ten feet in a couple of weeks.


Even better? You can get seeds and help support the dwindling bee population -- all for free -- by taking part in a good cause.

Scientists at San Francisco State University are asking people to plant sunflowers and spend half an hour observing them twice a month to see what kind of bees are hanging out in your area.

Click over to Sunset to read more about the project and find out how to get a free packet of seeds in the mail.

image via Sunset article linked above