Search results

What are the other options if it looks like they're already making swarm preps? If they swarm you've got the same slim chance of a decently reared then mated queen. If you split then you've still got the mated queen to hand. If the parent colony fails to raise a decent queen you can let them try...

There are 2 frames that are probably 1/3rd capped winter stores and 2/3rds nectar. Currently thinking about going back in on Monday - I know it's too soon, but it's the last warm day before the colder spell. Maybe these frames will be more capped and I can swap them out. Maybe they won't have...

Well it's been a week, so I went in again. Glad I did as I found the queen on a frame with 6 queen cups with eggs in - I hesitate to call them charged cells with just eggs, but still worrying! Given that the queen's still present and we're due cooler weather next week (though not cold, 9-10c) I...

One of the laurels around here - well in flower but not a bee to be seen!

I know farmers get shafted on price, but even so I'm assuming this is a loss leader...

Dandelions were out in force in the nearby cemetery, until the council came along with the lawnmowers yesterday :( The short ones have survived, but it was still disappointing. On the other hand there are several large laurels in the cemetery too and they've opened up over the past couple of days.

That's not a proper roast dinner, it needs some green on the plate too!

I put the varroa board in for 24 hours out of curiosity - if they've dropped this much pollen through the OMF then it goes to show just how much is coming in! Also my first time trying pollen and it's surprisingly tasty (y)

Possibly useful, but I imagine the weather's a bit cooler in deepest darkest Yorkshire than it is in Kent and so the bees will be behind. My bees are also in town, so again possibly slightly warmer than rural locations and plenty of gardens for forage. Just the one hive - plan to change that...

Inspection complete, averaging things out I'd say 6.5 frames of brood, of which 3/4s of a frame was drone. I was surprised by the amount of fresh nectar - at least a frame and a half. Given the nectar coming in and the forecast I've stuck a super on and scored some of the capped stores to...

I like the idea of natural beekeeping, but I'm pragmatic enough to know that they (usually) need treatment for varroa and in an urban environment I've got to try and avoid losing swarms all over the place. Going foundationless is one thing I can do a bit more naturally. Add in potential for...

I'm planning to go in at lunchtime - entrance has been incredibly busy for a while now, looking through poly crownboard bees are over all frames, box is heavy and gaining rather than losing weight so I'm a bit concerned about space, forecast is good for the next 2 weeks. You lot talking about...

Didn't get a single tomato last year, my plants got blight really early. Giving tomatillos a go this year instead - has anyone tried them before? I've only got a small garden and small allotment, so I try and focus on growing things that are either more expensive, unusual, or where the home...

Could be water foragers though - plenty of that going on too at the moment judging by the bees around my water butt.

Removed the mouseguard this morning, glad I did as there's been a huge amount of activity. Plenty of pollen going in today

I bought one of the lightweight suits for my wife, who doesn't particularly care about the bees and won't be wearing it often, and I wasn't overly impressed - the fabric is very thin, but for visitors they should be ok. The professional range is fantastic for the price though, good fabric...

Bees very busy today, lots of pollen going in and they're collecting plenty of water too.

Ukraine/Russia produce 60% of the world's sunflower oil. Russian invasion of Ukraine has big implications for sunflower oil market so that'll be why OSR price has gone up.

Couple of flowers out on the flowering current here - if some sources are to be believed then it's time to begin inspections :LOL: Wild garlic leaves just beginning to appear.