Time to Plan Your Bee Forage - Even in February

February might seem early to think about planting, but now is actually the perfect time for Southeast Tennessee beekeepers to start planning their forage gardens. While you won't be planting for a few more weeks, getting organized now sets you up for success.

The best bee plants—native perennials, shrubs, and trees—need some advance work. Popular varieties sell out quickly at nurseries, so ordering seeds or bare-root stock early means you'll get what you want. Plus, you can scout your property and prep planting spots while everything is still dormant, making the job easier when spring arrives.

Our bees begin raising brood very early in the year, often well before spring flowers bloom. If there aren't enough early nectar and pollen sources available, colonies have to live off their stored honey and pollen. This can stress the hive and make bees more vulnerable to disease at a time when they need to be building strength.

By planning a succession of blooms from early spring through fall, you'll give your bees the nutrition they need when they need it most. A little planning in February pays off in healthier, more resilient colonies all season long.

Spring Forage Sources (February–May Bloom Window)

Early spring forage is critical for brood rearing, nurse bee nutrition, and colony buildup after winter. These plants provide protein-rich pollen when colonies need it most.

Trees & Shrubs (High Impact)

• Red Maple – One of the earliest major pollen sources (Feb–March)
• Willows – Exceptional early pollen for brood rearing
• Eastern Redbud – Reliable spring pollen and nectar
• Serviceberry – Early, nutritious pollen and nectar
• Fruit Trees (apple, pear, cherry, peach) – Excellent spring diversity

Wildflowers & “Weeds”

• Henbit & Purple Deadnettle – Often the first pollen bees collect
• Dandelion – High protein pollen; very important early resource
• Spring Beauty – Native woodland pollen source
• Blue-eyed Grass – Early native bloom

Summer Forage Sources (May–August Bloom Window)

Summer forage maintains worker health, supports wax production, and prevents nutritional stress during periods of dearth. Diversity here is key to avoiding microbiome imbalance.

Legumes & Ground Covers

• White Clover – Consistent pollen and nectar
• Crimson Clover – Excellent early-summer protein
• Partridge Pea – High pollen yield, native legume

Native Wildflowers

• Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) – Pollen diversity + pollinator value
• Bee Balm (Monarda) – Strong nectar and pollen
• Purple Coneflower – Long bloom, accessible pollen
• Black-eyed Susan – Durable, reseeds easily

Garden & Field Plants

• Sunflowers – Heavy pollen producers
  Not all sunflowers are equal for bees—many ornamental or hybrid varieties produce little usable pollen, so open-pollinated and native sunflowers are the best choice for supporting bee nutrition.
• Cosmos – Continuous bloom, easy to grow
• Zinnias – Long bloom into late summer
• Borage – Extremely bee-attractive, reseeds

Supporting Strong Winter Bees

Late-season pollen and nectar are critical in September–November as colonies raise winter bees. Diverse fall forage supports nutrition, immune function, and the gut microbiome, helping bees survive winter. Planting (or simply allowing) these bloomers can make a real difference.

Native Fall Wildflowers (Top Impact)

• New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
  One of the best late pollen sources. Blooms Sept–Oct. Thrives in sun and average soils.
• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
  Major fall nectar and pollen plant. Blooms Aug–Oct.
• Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)
  Heavy fall nectar producer. Blooms Sept–Oct. Spreads readily—great for edges and damp sites.
• Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)
  Tall, purple blooms loaded with pollen. Blooms Aug–Sept. Excellent for field margins.

Native & Pollinator-Friendly Perennials

• Fall Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)
  Reliable late pollen. Blooms Sept–Oct. Low-maintenance native.
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
  Late pollen and hardy reseeder. Blooms into fall.
• Blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella)
  Long bloom season; bridges summer into fall.

Shrubs & Garden Staples

• Cosmos & Zinnias
  Easy annuals that bloom until frost. Great for small gardens and club plantings.
• American witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) 
  Blooms Oct. – Nov. and provides nectar and pollen. Best planted in spring or early fall to allow establishment

Planting Tips for Southeast Tennessee (Zone 7a)

• Best planting window:
  • Perennials & shrubs: early fall (Sept–Oct) or spring
  • Annuals: late spring–early summer for fall bloom
• Sun: Most bloom best in full sun (6–8 hrs).
• Leave it messy: Delay mowing field edges—volunteers matter.
• Think sequence: Aim for continuous bloom from spring through fall.
• Small efforts count: Gardens, fence rows, church yards, and road edges all help.