The nectar flow that has arrived a little late, that is good news for beekeepers with package bees. Usually the honey flow starts around the third week of June. This year it started in earnest around July 4th.
Package bees are usually at full strength around July 1st. So most of the new beekeepers are benifitting from the later nectar flow. Package bees are getting honey and are putting it in their supers.
Now, what is the strategy. Most of the new beekeepers were told they would not be getting any honey their first year. I think for many of them, they can throw that statement out.
As the bees draw out wax on the super frames and fill it with nectar, when they move into the second box and start work there, it is time to add two more supers. Bees have a hoarding instinct. If there is space to fill with honey, the bees will try very hard to fill it up. If the beekeeper is not diligent in adding more space, the bees may not collect anymore honey, or they could possibly fill the brood nest with honey. Filling up the brood area is never good. This cuts down on the queens ability to lay eggs and may ultimitly lead to the population of the hive diminishing.
I think it is not a stretch for new beekeepers who have action in both supers could possibly fill two more supers.
Let's look at where we are at in the nectar flow. I am estimating we have gone through about 25% of the nectar flow so far. That still gives us the majority of the nectar flow still in the future.
I have heard good things so far with many beekeepers with overwintered hives have over 4 supers filled with honey already. Much of it was Black Locust, that ran very heavy this year.
The week ahead weather wise, looks perfect for honey collection. Warm days, eighties to upper eighties. The warm weather helps the nectar flow better.
So, watch the supers, check them every five days or so and stay ahead of the bees.