Well, I have been keen to have a look for some time now but today was the day. I was filled with a little aprehension though as it had been a while since I had been into the hive. Was I going to forget what to do, was I still going to be a little jumpy around them etc etc.
As it turned out the latter was still to be true. Maybe I am not the most natural beekeeper in the world but certainly I am keen to get through the apprehension.
Anyhow. The inspections went well (I think to my untrained eye). See some photos below.
[google1] There are many beekeeping jobs to do in Spring but I think I have only touched the surface of what needs to be done. March is a time in the hive when everything is getting going and should the temperature get above the 10-150C range you will start to see bees flying around outside the hive (hopefully getting some pollen which is an indication that the hive is working as pollen is needed to feed larvae, an indication that the queen is laying)
Therefore here is a list of the jobs that I have done so far. However, I am sure this list isn’t exhaustive and so please help me by telling me what other jobs I have to do……. Read the rest of this entry »
First the important thing….are my bees still alive? Well I heard a pearl of wisdom the other day from a good beekeeping friend of mine. Without opening the hive you can tell quite easily by lying on the ground under the hive and simply blowing a few breaths through the open mesh floor (assuming you have one of these) he said. Therefore this is duly what I did and success, there was a nice roar from one of the hives but I haven’t had time to check the other yet (I suggest you do this on a nice cold day as otherwise you are pretty much a sitting or should I say lying duck if the bees want to investigate who is breathing on them!)
Going to be feeding them soon. Fondant on order….
Otherwise the garden and allotment are starting to wake up a little bit which is lovely to see. Just seeing tiny bits of green poking up through the soil is enough for me to really start enjoying the year. The weather has been quite unsettled and windy but apart from that relatively pleasent down here. Should you want any more information about the photos please just press the “i” in the middle of the photo and that should tell you all you need to know. Happy February.
