OSR, worth the hassle?

[tonybloke]

been offered a spot behind some barns (building site, good access, but totally screened from rd, and with security fencing across rd entrance, so safe) for the osr flow for my 2 hives, (they in back garden at the moment, site is about 12 miles away), is it worth the hassle??

 

[Chris B]

On balance probably yes.

Cost? Maybe 4 hours total time prep, shifting there and back at unsociable hours, plus travel cost of at least 2 trips, but probably 4 trips if you inspect while in place.

Reward? Assuming your garden isn't close to OSR, at least 20lb extra yield per hive if the weather is right.

Other considerations: more likely to go swarmy on rape, but if you want to make splits anyway that's not a disaster. They can get a bit edgy on rape too. But while the garden's empty you can do any essential maintenance!

The only answer is to take one and leave the other at home for a comparison so you know for sure another year?

Regards
Chris

 

[hedgerow pete]

I personaly would try it because it is something new for you to try, also if you were to want to do other things with the hives it then opens other ideas aswell

 

[thurrock bees]

hi Tony
i would say yes, it is worht the hassle, the rape will provide more honey for you, the bees will enjoy it and build up very quick, is it is auturm sown the flowers would be over by may, and there will be a large hive for the rest of the year to look for more nector.
The only down side is that they will get moody once the OSR has finished, this normaly lasts a week or so.

As said above, put one on a see how things go.

If it is a farm, they may ask for your bees every year and/or provide a out apiary for you.

TB