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Handy for queen introduction as well.

Because if the wet spring if it does warm up I would say it will be a good season because blackberries etc will keep flowering for longer.

Have you seen any evidence in these colonies that drone creation is less? Stands to reason if their swarming desires reduce they will need less boys?

Absolutely agree I always seem to expect queens should be laying a week before they ever do. Although this year I've had quite speedy layers. But around me I think the weather has been better than preceding years in May

Each 2 miles away in opposite directions. Had one further (25min drive) but too much hassle fitting inspections in. Depends how much time you have, with work, young children and cricket don't have time to drive around

35mm in an hour here, which for my area is very wet. Saves watering plants in garden, although didn't like the hail thrown in

Scammel they're your bees so you should be building your experience in handling by doing the inspection with your colleague looking over your shoulder providing pointers and advice. Only way you will learn

Took off the last of the spring OSR crop - been a good year so far considering the cold start to spring. Noticed on a few frames some much darker honey. Think sycamore is my other main spring crop - do people know if this is a darker honey?

i think the problem is that everything is so instant now in society and people expect to find the correct answer immediately rather than think through the range of possible interventions that could be undertaken. I look back now and cringe at some of the things I did in my first year beekeeping...

It's not a dilemma you know the risks of not inspecting (potential lost swarm) versus a lot of bees at home doing a late evening inspection. Adding a super buys you no time in my opinion because all depends upon the maturity of the colony, space in brood box and the type if bees you have which...

Where do you source yours from Swarm?

Is this the hawthorn year then? Since starting in 2012 don't recollect ever having seen hawthorn worked which is frustrating because it's always in so much abundance. However, OSR usually in the way (over now)so maybe this year....

Having ditched the leather gloves for nitriles a few weeks ago I can't believe I never did it sooner. So much easier doing manipulations. Thought I was always careful but bees seem so much calmer since I have changed (weather has been better though for inspections). For those a little hesitant...

I went expecting to do my last extraction of OSR but very little passing the shake test, they seem to be taking longer than usual to bring the moisture down.

Interesting, what principles are they?

Shows the difference in geography Millet - ours were flowering a month ago. They do work them if conditions are right

What waster content are people seeing this year? My first batch is 18.5%

Thanks for the reply. I reckon is must have picked up moisture during creaming so dehumidifier is a good point - use the kitchen which must have water in air. Plus my bottling too quickly meant air bubbles that contain moisture must have caused the problem. Will try heating to paste next time...

It's tricky stuff that's for sure and I'm still learning. Got caught with some fermenting jars this year. If any creaming experts want to take a look at my post in the honey section that would be much appreciated! Back to the OP, not sure exact timings but would advise sooner the better - it...

And good effort Rich. You couldn't have done more