I spoke at the Michigan Beekeeper’s Association meeting last weekend, and things were buzzing. I believe there was a record number of beekeepers and wannabees, and we’re all enthused and excited for spring. These balmy mid-March temperatures have lured us into...
In speaking at several bee schools lately, I am frequently asked whether I think someone should begin with a nuc (nucleus hive) or a package. The answer is yes! I encourage everyone to keep bees, so yes, you should begin with one of those two predominant methods of...
I’ve been rapping sharply on my hives every few weeks now. Most of them answer back with either a soft, barely discernable “chatter” or a significant “YES WE’RE IN HERE QUIT BOTHERING US!” quite audible roar. Unfortunately I know that bees alive mid-February doesn’t...
I got a panicked text from a first year beekeeper recently when the thermometer (again) read -8 degrees. The text said: “My bees are all right, right?!?” I answered supportively that of course they are. And because I don’t text very well, and because there’s a lot of...
Pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. They deserve our salute and support for that alone. But beyond that, the food for which bees are integral is the food we really love—pumpkins for pumpkin pie, apples for sauce, the...
Last blog I reviewed the seven things I do inside each hive in September. If you read the entry, you know there were actually ten. I like to exceed expectations. The winter forecast is quite foreboding. Due to other obligations, we haven’t done the “September 7” to...
