Spring is steadily arriving; here are considerations for a new install in a climate comparable to SW Michigan’s. Reality check Frames drawn out: There should be substantial progress on at least half the frames of the first box—a few of them perhaps almost all full of...
Mid-May, mid-40 degree temperatures: I refilled hive feeders Thursday while wearing a winter coat. I’m done with this chill, but I’m sure when it is 90 degrees I’ll also be whining. Anyway, here are things, Honey, to Bear in Mind this time of year for bees in areas...
Over the last month we’ve installed a couple dozen packages of bees into their hives. I’ve been taking lots of questions from newbees (and I love it!). Here are some of the common concerns: What’s that white stuff in the package? Depending upon how long those bees...
I suspect most readers recently have or are about to install packages of honeybees. I installed a couple dozen last week, and have eight more coming this week. Once you catch “bee disease,” like chocolate and money, you can never have enough! Here’s a couple more...
I’m done with winter, especially since I have package bees coming next week and that means there’s a lot to get ready. This post outlines some of those things to “bear in mind” as you get ready for your bees. 1. Their equipment ready? This might mean frames assembled...
I often have the happy privilege of speaking to new-bees. It’s important we all help beginning beekeepers when we can. Their learning curve is steep, yet never has our need to help bees succeed been greater. To keep key considerations on our collective radar,...
