Winter is the perfect time to plan a garden that will nourish your bees and other pollinators throughout the year. While the hives rest and bees form their winter cluster, you can think about how to prepare a rich foraging ground for spring.
Why Plan Now?
December and January are months of reflection for every beekeeper. Seed catalogs arrive in mailboxes, garden centers offer discounts, and you have time to consider what to plant. Bees need nectar and pollen from early spring through late fall, so choosing plants with different bloom times is essential.
Plants for Early Spring
Snowdrops, crocuses, and hyacinths are the first sources bees find after the long winter. These bulbs bloom from January to March, providing vital nutrition when other sources are scarce. Plant them in clusters, not individually. Bees notice larger groupings of flowers more easily.
Summer Forage
Lavender, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans are absolute bee favorites. These perennials bloom all summer and require minimal maintenance. Lavender also repels pests and smells wonderful.
Fall and Winter Blooms
Don't forget the period when most gardens stop flowering. Asters, buckwheat, and ivy provide nectar into November. For milder winters, consider winter jasmine or hellebores, which bloom even during cold months.
Practical Tips
Grow flowers in sunny locations, as bees ignore blooms in shade. Avoid double-flowered hybrids that produce less nectar. Most importantly, don't use pesticides. Even a small garden can make a big difference for the health of your colonies.
Start planning now, and by spring your garden will be buzzing with visitors.