Sunday, August 4, 2013

Nectar Flow Update

Goldenrod

The nectar flow has slowed down. There are still nectar flowers out there and the bees are still bringing nectar in. Some areas around the metro are better than others. Some locales the nectar flow is down to a trickle.
 I have heard of most beekeepers have had a very good flow so far and there is still more to come.
 Goldenrod is going to start blooming in the near future. The flow from Goldenrod is always a little iffy. The flow can be very good with one to two supers of honey coming in or hardly any honey in the supers. The Goldenrod flow hits when hives are in peak population and it is about the only show in town. The bees totally focus on this plant for honey and pollen.
You know if Goldenrod nectar is coming in because the bee hives smell like wet sweat socks. While this may concern beekeepers their honey will smell bad, this oder goes away as the honey ripens. Goldenrod honey has a nice mild flavor and is sought out by people with fall allergies.
  There is supposed to be a decent rain tonight. The rain should keep the flow going.