Disclaimer:

This blog explains how I keep bees. It works for me, it might not work for you. Use my methods at your own risk. Always wear protective clothing and use a smoker when working bees.

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Sunday, July 14, 2013

Nectar Flow

We have been talking to beekeepers coming through our shop. The nectar flow seems to be flowing very well with many beekeepers stopping in and getting more supers to keep up with the flow. A beekeeper from Hudson, WI stopped by to get more supers. He says he will need a ladder if he has to put on anymore supers.
  Many nectar bearing flowers haven't even bloomed yet so the nectar flow will last for a while.
Some new beekeepers think that they won't get any honey their first year. This year everyone that has a good population of bees and their bees have not swarmed will get honey. Beekeepers will find that two supers will not be enough and will need more supers to hold their honey crop.
 When looking at supers on a hive, if the bees are in the second box and drawing comb and nectar is starting to get put in the cells, two more supers need to be put on.  New supers with foundation need to put on directly above the brood nest.
 Bees have a hoarding instinct. If there is room to store honey they will work to fill that room. Supering ahead of the bees will give us all a super honey crop.