"Plant Hardiness Zones" and why they matter to beekeepers
Planting zones affect not just gardeners, but bees and their keepers, too!
Beekeeping isn’t just about managing individual colonies or apiaries. It is important to both honeybee populations and entire ecosystems across the world. Beekeepers can help their own honeybee colonies and native pollinators alike by providing them with access to a wide variety of plants that offer both pollen and nectar sources.
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a great resource that can be used to help all gardeners. But it is especially useful to beekeepers, to allow them to provide valuable resources through plants, throughout the year!
What are “Plant Hardiness Zones”?
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a guide that divides regions of North America into zones, based on average winter temperatures. Ranging from Zone 1 (the coldest temperatures) to Zone 13 (the warmest), these zones help gardeners of all types determine which plants will survive and thrive in their area.
The most recent updates to the map, in 2023, ensure zone lines are accurate and take into account all available microclimate data. These updates to the map have shifted many zones to be nearly half a zone warmer, as plant survival and winter temperatures have been seriously impacted by warmer winters.
Choosing Pollinator-Friendly Plants for Your Zone
Because not all plants offering rich sources of pollen or nectar will grow in all climates (or during all seasons), understanding and using this map is a huge help in choosing plants suited to your zone.
Ensuring plants will bloom properly and provide forage when bees really need it helps not just the pollinators in your bee yard but other native insects for miles around, too.
Once you’ve relevant zone for your own bee yard’s location, you can choose native plants that will bloom at varying times, throughout the season.
Below are some examples of bee-friendly plants by zone, with a rough guideline for when they typically bloom (adapt based on your local conditions and plant variety/type):
Zones 3–5 (Cooler Climates):
Early Spring: Crocus, willows, snowdrops
Summer: Coneflower (Echinacea), bee balm (Monarda), clover
Fall: Asters, goldenrod, sedum
Zones 6–7 (Moderate Climates):
Early Spring: Dandelions, red maples, wild cherry
Summer: Lavender, black-eyed Susan, anise hyssop
Fall: Joe Pye weed, sunflowers, goldenrod
Zones 8–10 (Warmer Climates):
Early Spring: Mexican heather, acacia, citrus trees
Summer: Basil, zinnias, cosmos
Fall/Winter Blooms: Loquat, bottlebrush, rosemary
Choosing native plants offering nectar or pollen during times when others are experiencing a dearth can make it much easier for your colony to store resources needed to raise brood, maintain growth, and not just survive but thrive. Beekeepers can increase foraging opportunities by planting a garden near their hives specifically for their bees, especially if the surrounding land lacks natural diversity.
Consider working with your local beekeeping community and even neighbors to connect and share insights about local climates and the effect on gardening timelines, tips and tricks for success. Maybe even exchange native wildflower seed mixes! Sharing your knowledge and promoting local awareness of the importance of honeybee populations and their food sources can make a big difference to all pollinators year-round!
Want to learn more about planting for pollinators? Check out our post “Tips & Tricks for Providing Pollinator Friendly Plants” for more details and additional in-depth resources!