There is a saying that if you ask 10 different beekeepers a question, you'll get 11 different answers. This is also true of all the books I'm reading. There doesn't seem to be any constant other than the fact that bees are facing some pretty tough times in the form of pests and disease. In deciding whether or not to feed during the winter, I have chosen to do so. I knew in the fall that my hive was weak, but I hope with my intervention, it does not die of starvation. My rule of thumb has been to feed with a boardman feeder on the days the bees are out and flying. So far, this has proven to be successful. I'm seeing very few dead bees and on warm days, which might be 38 degrees and sunny, the girls are quite active. Beekeeperlinda posted that January and February were difficult months for Atlanta bees. I fear March and April in Western NC. Just when you think winter could be over, these 2 months can be brutal.
2 comments:
Just wondering if there are sourwood trees for Walter Bee? Hope so! My favorite.
I know a man in the area who is getting a lot of sourwood honey. The sourwood did not bloom well this past year, but maybe this summer will be better. Hope the drought will be over. It rained constantly in December and January is starting the same way. We got 2 inches of snow this afternoon.
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