Feed the Hummingbird Migration
Mar 10, 2025
As spring begins to settle in, it’s time to prepare for the return of one of the most fascinating visitors to your farm — the ruby-throated hummingbird. These little travelers begin migrating through Tennessee in late March, with their numbers peaking in the first couple of weeks of April. By setting up a food source early, you can help ensure they stay well-nourished during their long journey.
Hummingbird Migration in Tennessee
Ruby-throated hummingbirds pass through Tennessee twice a year — once in the spring from late March to mid-May and again in the fall from early July to October. While some of these birds might stick around year-round, the spring and fall migrations are when they’re most abundant on farms across the state.
To support their journey, aim to have your feeders and flowers ready by April 1. While feeders are an easy way to supplement their diet, wildflowers are often the preferred food source. Here's a guide to planting flowers throughout the year to keep those
hummingbirds coming back.
Early Spring: Get a Head Start
Early spring on the farm can still be chilly, but perennials provide a reliable nectar source when you need it most. Consider planting these early bloomers:
Late Spring to Early Summer: A Burst of Color
As the weather warms in late April, it’s time to plant more colorful annuals that will keep the hummingbirds happy well into the summer. Since hummingbirds associate red with nectar, plant flowers in shades of red, coral, pink, and orange:
Summer: Vines and Sun
Summer on the farm is a great time to add vines that hummingbirds love. These fast-growing plants are perfect for trellises, fences, or any open space:
Late Summer and Fall: Fueling Up for the Journey
As fall approaches, you’ll see the highest number of hummingbirds, stopping by to fuel up for their long migration flight across the Gulf. Keep their bellies full with these late-season favorites:
Support Your Hummingbird Visitors with Your Local Co-op
Between planting flowers and setting up feeders, your local Co-op has everything you need to make your farm a hummingbird haven. From garden tools and flower seeds to hummingbird feeders, we have what it takes to attract and nourish these tiny travelers.
Visit your local Co-op to find all the supplies you need to support your hummingbird visitors this migration season. Find the nearest Co-op location here. For more seasonal farm tips, check out the latest issue of The Cooperator.
Hummingbird Migration in Tennessee
Ruby-throated hummingbirds pass through Tennessee twice a year — once in the spring from late March to mid-May and again in the fall from early July to October. While some of these birds might stick around year-round, the spring and fall migrations are when they’re most abundant on farms across the state.
To support their journey, aim to have your feeders and flowers ready by April 1. While feeders are an easy way to supplement their diet, wildflowers are often the preferred food source. Here's a guide to planting flowers throughout the year to keep those
hummingbirds coming back.
Early Spring: Get a Head Start
Early spring on the farm can still be chilly, but perennials provide a reliable nectar source when you need it most. Consider planting these early bloomers:
- Wild Columbine – This hardy perennial thrives in shaded or rocky areas, perfect for along barn walls or in less-traveled corners of the farm.
- Wild Blue Phlox – These flowers work well in shaded gardens near tree lines or around farm buildings.
- Crossvine and Carolina Jessamine – Plant them on trellises, fences, or even farm equipment to brighten up the space and attract hummers.
- Flowering Quince and Azaleas – These beautiful shrubs are a favorite for both hummers and gardeners.
Late Spring to Early Summer: A Burst of Color
As the weather warms in late April, it’s time to plant more colorful annuals that will keep the hummingbirds happy well into the summer. Since hummingbirds associate red with nectar, plant flowers in shades of red, coral, pink, and orange:
- Indian Pink – A great option for shady areas, perfect along fence lines or next to the farmhouse.
- Lantana – A hardy sun-loving plant that’s a hummingbird favorite.
- Pentas and Coral Honeysuckle – Tubular flowers that bring in the birds.
- Petunias, Fuchsias, and Geraniums – Ideal for hanging baskets or containers on porches, barns, or windowsills.
Summer: Vines and Sun
Summer on the farm is a great time to add vines that hummingbirds love. These fast-growing plants are perfect for trellises, fences, or any open space:
- Cypress Vine and Cardinal Climber – Red flowers that are a must-have for any farm garden.
- Trumpet Creeper – This robust plant with large, orange-red flowers grows well on trellises or fence lines.
- Bee Balm and Lilies – Perfect for open, sunny spots in flower beds or next to your vegetable garden.
- Butterfly Bush – A must-have for attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds, offering long-lasting blooms.
Late Summer and Fall: Fueling Up for the Journey
As fall approaches, you’ll see the highest number of hummingbirds, stopping by to fuel up for their long migration flight across the Gulf. Keep their bellies full with these late-season favorites:
- Cardinal Flower, Butterfly Weed, and Salvias – Wildflowers that bloom late and offer the nectar they need.
- Lantana and Marigolds – These heat- and drought-tolerant flowers keep producing through the fall, even in Tennessee’s dry conditions.
- Autumn Sage and Pineapple Sage – These aromatic sages not only draw hummingbirds but also add a nice fragrance to your garden or barnyard.
Support Your Hummingbird Visitors with Your Local Co-op
Between planting flowers and setting up feeders, your local Co-op has everything you need to make your farm a hummingbird haven. From garden tools and flower seeds to hummingbird feeders, we have what it takes to attract and nourish these tiny travelers.
Visit your local Co-op to find all the supplies you need to support your hummingbird visitors this migration season. Find the nearest Co-op location here. For more seasonal farm tips, check out the latest issue of The Cooperator.