Planting Seeds for Nashville Pollinators: A Beginner's Guide to Supporting Native Species
Image & Copyright: Lindsey of Lucid Linds Photography & Nashville Plant People
Planting from seed for our Pollinators
Planting from seed can be intimidating at first, but it can also be very rewarding, especially when it comes to our native pollinators.
When I say pollinators, immediately what comes to mind is bees. Interestingly enough the “honey bee” that we know is non- native to the US, they are actually indigenous to Europe, and are considered livestock here in the US. They do aid in pollination but controversial to what a lot of click bait literature suggests, its not the “honey bee” in dire need of help -its our native bees.
“Pollinators” covers a wide variety of native (and a few non native) insects, including bees (mason, bumble, and others), butterflies, beetles, moths, certain flies, and the list goes on and on.
Our pollinators need help with their food supply, and that’s where we as plant enthusiasts can come to their aid. If you only have a patio, lanai, small patch of lawn, or some other tiny area, just one pot of beneficial plants can go along way. Think of it as a rest stop “snack run” on a pollinators’ way to their destination.
This is where native plants come hugely into play. Native plants provide appropriate balanced nutrition for pollinators. I’m not advocating for ONLY native plants, but if you can add a good variety of native plants your pollinators will be a lot healthier. Its all about bringing balance to the nutritional offerings in your green space.
Healthier pollinators= healthier plants and more flowers, and it can also mean less pests!
When you plant native species, you broaden the pollinator food pyramid, so to speak. Don’t get me wrong I love "gas station snacks”, but you couldn’t eat only snacks all day, every day and not suffer significant health issues. It's the same for our flying friends, they need a variety to eat.
Two of the easiest plants to grow from seed are Echinacea/ Coneflower (the original purply-pink one) and Black or Brown Eyed Susans. Both of which are native to TN, drought tolerant and hardy. You can check on the back of the seed packaging from then store, but most of the natives benefit from cold stratification (which is sustained period of cold for X amount of days, this can be simulated in your freezer or fridge, google for specifics on which variety you purchase). I’ve had echinacea grow from accidentally losing the seed packet in my beds, its very beginner friendly.
One of the other benefits to planting native is less watering they are accustomed to our hot Nashville summers and episodes without rain. Echinaceas and Black Eyed Susans are perennial (meaning they come back every year) so they will provide food for pollinators for years to come.
Image & Copyright: Lindsey of Lucid Linds Photography & Nashville Plant People
Places to find Native Seeds Locally & Online:
Prairie Moon has amazing information specific to your areahttps://www.prairiemoon.com/seeds/native-wildflowers/#/?resultsPerPage=24
Sow True Seed- lots of natives https://sowtrueseed.com/
Etsy can also be a treasure trove for seeds
TN Native Nurseries: https://www.tnnursery.net
Fairview, TN - appointment only but its easy to make an appointment just call https://www.growildinc.com/
Chattanooga, TN- this is way way back at the end of an amazing nature preserve/horse back riding area, well worth the visit for a day trip https://reflectionriding.org/buy-native-plants
image by: Christian Joudrey
Here's a step-by-step guide for growing native plants from seed in our area, tailored to Zone 7 - Nashville, TN:
Research Native Plants: Begin by researching native plant species that thrive in Zone 7 and are well-suited to the Nashville, TN area. Consider factors such as sunlight requirements, soil conditions, and water needs.
Select Seeds: Choose seeds of native plants that are appropriate for your gardening space and preferences. Look for reputable seed suppliers that offer a variety of native plant species suitable for Zone 7.
Determine Sowing Dates: In Zone 7, the optimal time to start seeds indoors is typically 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date, which usually falls in mid to late April in the Nashville area.
Gather Supplies: Collect all the necessary supplies for seed starting, including seed trays or pots, seed starting mix, labels, watering can or spray bottle, and a warm, well-lit area for germination.
Prepare Seed Trays: If using, fill seed trays or pots with seed starting mix, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Moisten the mix thoroughly before planting seeds.
Plant Seeds: Follow the instructions on the seed packet for planting depth and spacing. Plant seeds accordingly, covering them lightly with a thin layer of seed starting mix.
Label Seed Trays: Label each seed tray or pot with the name of the plant species and the date of planting to keep track of your seeds.
Provide Optimal Conditions: Place the seed trays in a warm, well-lit area with consistent temperature and adequate airflow. Consider using a grow light if natural light is limited.
Water Regularly: Keep the seed starting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a watering can or spray bottle to water gently, avoiding disturbing the seeds.
Monitor Germination: Check the seed trays regularly for signs of germination. Once seedlings emerge, provide proper care, including adequate light and water.
Harden Off Seedlings: About 1-2 weeks before the last expected frost date, begin hardening off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Start with a few hours of exposure per day and gradually increase the duration and intensity of exposure.
Transplant Seedlings: Once the danger of frost has passed and seedlings have been hardened off, transplant them into your garden or desired outdoor location. Choose a site with appropriate sunlight and soil conditions for each plant species.
Provide Care: Continue to water and care for your native plants as they establish themselves in their new environment. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Image by: Nick Fewings
By following these steps, you can successfully grow native plants from seed in the Nashville, TN area and contribute to the preservation of our local biodiversity while creating a beautiful, sustainable garden. 🪴🫶
Big thanks to our community member and passionate native plant gardener, Amy Haight for taking the time to share her knowledge with all of us.
Join the Nashville Plant People Community and embark on a journey to create stunning native gardens while supporting our precious pollinators! Discover the joy of nurturing vibrant ecosystems right in your backyard as you explore native plant varieties that thrive in Nashville's unique climate. Our community is dedicated to fostering sustainable gardening practices and providing valuable resources to help you cultivate a beautiful, biodiverse landscape. Together, let's transform our outdoor spaces into havens for pollinators while enjoying the beauty of native plants.
Happy Planting everyone!
Lindsey & Amy