February Plants for Honey Bees

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Posted by @Mindy03 on
February is here! Hopefully the old groundhog didn't see his shadow and spring will be here sooner than later. Longer days and warmer temperatures will have the honey bees buzzing everywhere looking for food to feed their hungry babies.

Location: Western KentuckyDate: 2010-04-05Redbud bloomsFebruary is when Old Man Winter knows his end is fast approaching and we are getting ready for spring. By producing more young bees, the honey bees are gearing up for the abundance of food that Spring will bring.  

Of course, that means they need a good supply of nectar and pollen to feed all those babies.  Check this list of plants to add to your garden to help feed them.  

 

 

Apricot Location: Front YardDate: March 6, 2011Eastern Redbud- Nectar and Pollen

Bear's Foot Hellebore - Nectar and Pollen    

Buckwheat Tree - Nectar

Coastal Plain Willow - Nectar and Pollen

Eastern Redbud - Nectar and Pollenl 

Greasewood - Nectar

Halberd-Leaved Willow - Nectar, Pollen and Honeydew

Highbush Blueberry - Nectar  

Shiny Lyonia - Nectar  

Redberry - Nectar

Skunk Cabbage - Pollen

Sweet Almond - Nectar and Pollen

More pollen is available in Feburary which means there will be plenty to make beebread to feed the brood.  With so many mouths to feed the honey bees are going to be even more aggressive than they were last month.  Do not disturb them while they are so busy gathering food for their young. 

Beekeepers should be planning ahead for the first heavy nectar flow and be prepared to add supers in a timely manner. That means making sure the supers are clean and have wax foundation installed if you are using it.

More February Plants, look here.                                     Location: Pacific Northwest zone 8Date: Apr 27, 2011

 
Comments and Discussion
Thread Title Last Reply Replies
Seeing the honey bees by wildflowers Feb 28, 2012 2:41 PM 1

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