The Farmers' Notes

Spring is beginning to stir in the Pacific Northwest, and that means pollinators are waking up too. As days lengthen and temperatures slowly rise, bee queens and solitary bees emerge in search of nectar and pollen — the very fuel they need to start a season of pollination. These tiny workers play a huge role in our gardens and food crops, including apples and strawberries right here at Swans Trail Farms.

Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, beetles, and even some birds and bats are essential for plant reproduction — they help transfer pollen from bloom to bloom, ensuring fruit and seeds form. In fact, pollinators support about three‑quarters of all food crops worldwide, including many of the fruits we grow in the PNW.

Why Early Spring Matters for Bees and Other Pollinators

Even a few warm March days are enough to coax bumble bee queens and early solitary bees out of winter dormancy. But once they’re out, they need nectar and pollen immediately. Early blooms provide critical food at a time when most of the landscape is still bare. Ask yourself: What flowers can I plant that bloom before apple blossoms?

Supporting these early pollinators directly helps your orchard and garden thrive later in the season — healthier bees mean better pollination, fruit set, and yields.

How to Create a Pollinator‑Friendly Garden in the PNW

Here are practical ways to make your garden a haven for pollinators right now:

1. Choose Early‑Blooming Flowers

Plant or preserve blooms that provide early nectar and pollen. Some great options (especially for the Pacific Northwest) include:

• Red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) — one of the first spring blooms many local gardeners see

• Native wildflowers like camas, penstemon, and checker mallow

• Herbs like chives and mint when left to flower (these attract bees all season)

• Adding a variety of plants with staggered bloom times keeps nectar flowing from early spring through fall.

2. Provide Habitat, Not Just Flowers

Pollinators need more than nectar:

• Bee nesting space: Many native bees nest underground or in hollow stems; leave some areas undisturbed to help them thrive.

• Protect overwintering sites: Fallen leaves, dead stems, and small wood piles offer shelter for bees emerging in spring.

3. Keep Water Accessible

A shallow dish with stones or pebbles makes a perfect water spot for thirsty pollinators — they’ll use the stones as perches, so they don’t drown.

4. Avoid Harmful Sprays

Steer clear of pesticides or garden sprays, especially in early spring. These can harm bees when they’re actively feeding. Many gardeners in the region report seeing bumblebees and native mason bees first as soon as those early flowers pop.

Helpful Local & Regional Resources

Want more detailed guides or region‑specific plant lists? Check out these reliable local resources:

• Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife – Pollinators — Background on pollinators and tips for creating habitat in yards and gardens.

• Creating Pollinator Habitats (WDFW) — Practical steps to design garden space that supports pollinators, including how to leave safe overwintering spots.

• Pacific Northwest Pollinator Resources (Xerces Society) — Region‑specific plant lists and habitat planning tools tailored to PNW gardeners.

• Washington State Dept of Agriculture Bee Atlas — A community science project that lets you help track native bees across the state.

Benefits of Supporting Pollinators in Your PNW Garden

Healthy pollinators mean better blooms, better fruit set, and more abundant harvests — especially for apples and strawberries. But it goes deeper than that: supporting pollinators helps restore local ecosystems, enriches soil health, and creates gardens that are buzzing with life and beauty.

Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just getting started, now is the perfect time to think beyond your crops and into the spaces that support the creatures that help them thrive.

Conclusion:

Supporting pollinators in your early spring PNW garden is more than a seasonal task—it’s an investment in the health of your plants, your fruit and berries, and the local ecosystem. By planting early blooms, providing habitat and water, and avoiding harmful sprays, you can help bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects thrive.

At Swans Trail Farms, we’ve seen firsthand how a buzzing garden transforms both the landscape and the gardening experience. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out, taking small steps now ensures a vibrant, fruitful garden all season long.

Get involved! Observe the first bees in your garden, plant pollinator-friendly flowers, and share your experiences with friends or online. Every action counts toward a healthier, happier PNW garden.