Honey Bees in the Garden - September

Autumn begins this month, bringing cooler weather.  Honey bees will continue to forage for winter supplies.  Some beekeepers have already harvested that sweet liquid gold, while others will just get started doing that this month.  Honey bees in colder areas need at least 60 pounds of honey to get them through the winter.  

Here are some plants that begin blooming in September to help honey bees gather enough food.

New York Aster 'Bluebird'  Nectar and Pollen

Michaelmus Daisy Nectar and Pollen

Rhone Aster Nectar and Pollen

Broomweed Nectar

Garlic Chives Nectar and Pollen

Summer Farewell Nectar and Pollen

Tea Olive Nectar and Pollen

Hairy Toad Lily Nectar

Taiwanese Toad Lily Nectar

Torch Lily Nectar and Pollen

Autumn is a time when gardeners in colder climates are cleaning up their gardens after the final harvest and inspecting their tools for anything that needs repair or replacement before storing them for the winter.

Beekeepers will be inspecting their equipment and making repairs or replacing anything that needs replaced as well.   From now until late winter or early spring, the beekeeper's active role is to keep an eye on the bees without opening the hive if at all possible, clear snow off the entrance, and pray their bees make it through the winter in good shape.  

This is the last 'Plants for honey bees' article for this year.  I hope you all have enjoyed reading them.   

Photo Credits Used With Permission

New York Aster: Allison (Onewish)

Autumn Joy Sedum: Lynn (Vallylynn)