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Not keep bees is one thing you could do. Although, letting nature take its course does of course mean that you may not have bees for long - nature can be brutal and like another poster has said a failed queen due to poor mating if weather is bad soon leads to end of colony.

Werbo it's good that you're reading up on the subject - many do not - but there are loads of misconceptions out there. So, what do you do? You learn to trust sources that you know are right (mentors, well regarded authors) and importantly learn by doing. Times move on but a lot in print hasn't

You need supports (either wire or I'm trying skewers this year) and a starter strip but best to have some drawn comb either side for them to align to. Other than that no issue with foundationless - . Perhaps try in year 2?

I used to find with trousers inside the welly they would fly on to the back of your calf if you were bent down, then standing up would squash or agitate them to sting through the suit. Definitely an over the welly man. But saying that agree about nice bees. But there is always the odd colony who...

I don't bother strimming. I walk a path through whatever grows up. Provides a good screen round hives. Or occasionally the old fashioned way with a slasher. Keeps you fit!

That's why I would find allotment beekeeping too stressful. No fun for anyone

Exactly what I do - observation and something a bit different. I've never had anything that prolific in it but think it would be an issue for a season with a really good flow like 2013.

Queen is usually on frames with eggs so start with checking those frames with eggs on.

Blackthorn bursting here. My victoria plum has just come out as well

Think Tony Blair said that and looked at where he took us!

I agree about trapping with negative consequences. Too easy to knee jerk. Although invasive species are a problem and they are very good at invading. Look at Balsam, American crayfish impact on white clawed crayfish. It's a real quandry.

Ah but Millet will your bees avoid it! Keeping them away from it is harder than you think

I'm awaiting the dandelion bloom - you're right they do come out of nowhere. I always feel that once dandelions are out the spring has well and truly sprung.

People love my creamed OSR - certainly not tasteless.

Did nothing - very breezy and coolish despite the sun. Went up the allotment instead

Beekeeping is supposed to be relaxing. I wouldn't be able to relax with them in my garden. Much prefer them being isolated away from people for if the bees are having an off day.

Interesting to say the least. After first inspection of the year if you add 4 supers immediately they won't swarm until in the third - guaranteed! Sounds dicey to me. Have to admit having only just found BBKA FB it's nice to come back here for some sanity. Some posts I look at and wonder if...

Blackthorn just starting to come out round me - always more winter than spring feel when it comes. Looks pretty though - splashes of white across the hedgerows.

Good news is that it does get easier with each year of experience. Always one less mistake learned.

Although from reading comments on the BBKA FB page you would think swarms are due any minute! Don't think mine will be yet - scraping ice off windscreen this morning, still more winter than spring feel today! All good reads though and shows there are multiple ways to manage things, people just...