Well, what an “interesting” year. Most people I have talked to are seeing a very poor honey harvest. For the first time ever I am harvesting no honey at all from my home apiary. I did have a few frames marked for harvest, but the honey was eaten during the week of the Jones Bar fire. The star thistle is blooming and I hope the bees can get enough nectar to rebuild their stores. I am planning on feeding most of my colonies for the remainder of the month. Count yourself among the lucky if you are getting a honey harvest this year.
You should be seeing a lot of yellow pollen coming in from the star thistle right now. If your colonies pollen stores are low, you can supplement them by feeding pollen substitute. This can be purchased in wet or dry from from A to Z. If feeding wet pollen, place the pollen patty above the brood nest.
Nutrition is key to a strong, healthy hive.
Happy Beekeeping!
Pura Vida life - relax and enjoy!
Amy Hustead
