What's flowering as forage in your area

[user 819]

You have probably posted this somewhere but could you describe the method in a bit more detail for me. Ta

Yes Eric vey simple set up.
A hive stand same height (or as near as) as the main hive, set is to the side out of the entrance flight path slightly forward of the hive. Place a clearer board down as the floor ( I use a rapid clearer design copied off Dave Cushman's site before RP had practically over written most of it), supers on top a CB & roof.
As per usual next morning only a very few stragglers still remain.

Tbh it's a method I haven't used much before but it certainly saves humping heavy supers back up top for clearing.

 

[Amari]

A field sown with OSR last August failed for some reason so mustard was sown in its place this spring. Is mustard good for a honey crop does anyone know?

 

[Sutty]

Yes Eric vey simple set up.
A hive stand same height (or as near as) as the main hive, set is to the side out of the entrance flight path slightly forward of the hive. Place a clearer board down as the floor ( I use a rapid clearer design copied off Dave Cushman's site before RP had practically over written most of it), supers on top a CB & roof.
As per usual next morning only a very few stragglers still remain.

Tbh it's a method I haven't used much before but it certainly saves humping heavy supers back up top for clearing.

I'd imagine it wouldn't be too long before bees found the "entrance" through the clearer board & started robbing it - at least judging by how they found a one-bee sized hole in a stack of wet supers today! (I guess more scent of honey though).

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

A field sown with OSR last August failed for some reason so mustard was sown in its place this spring. Is mustard good for a honey crop does anyone know?

it's a brassica, just like OSR, so you will get a crop - but it will crystalise just as quickly as Mazola honey

 

[Erichalfbee]

We planted four two year old limes five years ago and all are dripping in flowers. I thought they too much longer but I reckon last year's summer made a few plants do odd things

It’s a small leaved lime.

 

[Swarm]

Small leaved limes in Usk were covered in blossom mid week, the scent was amazing. Some huge lime trees, all in flower but three small leaved stood out.

 

[enrico]

It’s a small leaved lime.

All ours were bought as small leaf limes but I am not sure I know the difference.

 

[RJC]

All ours were bought as small leaf limes but I am not sure I know the difference.

Small leaved lime (native) has symmetrical leaves, and hairs on underside of leaves by vein joints tend to be brownish; common lime (hybrid; the most commonly planted tree in grounds, municipal situations etc) tends to have asymmetrical leaves, with white hair tufts on the underside. It also has lots of epicormic growth when large. Large leave lime (native) is rare, has very big leaves (!), which are downy on their upper surface.

 

[Worldsend]

Rosebay willow herb just starting south Hampshire -seems a bit early

 

[user 20297]

Rosebay willow herb just starting south Hampshire -seems a bit early

It's been flowering here in the North of Scotland for three weeks.

 

[JamezF]

Asparagus pollen is traffic-light red.

Bit late for that now though?

James

 

[Newbeeneil]

Yes Eric vey simple set up.
A hive stand same height (or as near as) as the main hive, set is to the side out of the entrance flight path slightly forward of the hive. Place a clearer board down as the floor ( I use a rapid clearer design copied off Dave Cushman's site before RP had practically over written most of it), supers on top a CB & roof.
As per usual next morning only a very few stragglers still remain.

Tbh it's a method I haven't used much before but it certainly saves humping heavy supers back up top for clearing.

Which of the numerous clearer designs on the site do you use Hemo?

 

[WoodenBeam]

 

[user 819]

Which of the numerous clearer designs on the site do you use Hemo?

I have made up a few of the Vortex boards, Neil.

 

[user 819]

I'd imagine it wouldn't be too long before bees found the "entrance" through the clearer board & started robbing it - at least judging by how they found a one-bee sized hole in a stack of wet supers today! (I guess more scent of honey though).

It will depend on the apiary and area , timing and duration as well.
I did so midday ish and went out about 8a.m next morning to remove the supers .
In my garden I can keep an eye on any untoward activity.
Though it is honey if sealed should be o.k.

 

[John stockburn]

A field sown with OSR last August failed for some reason so mustard was sown in its place this spring. Is mustard good for a honey crop does anyone know?

It crystallises quicker than OSR and goes really hard and I was always told not to go anywhere near it as it is more trouble than it is worth .
others may have a different story to tell.

 

[ericbeaumont]

Bit late for that now though?

James

You may be right, James. I barely know which day of the week it is, having worked every day for a month.

 

[JamezF]

You may be right, James. I barely know which day of the week it is, having worked every day for a month.

I'm struggling with days of the week myself, I have to admit.

James

 

[Erichalfbee]

View attachment 36906

My word!

 

[WoodenBeam]

My word!

Good olde Borage - 27 hectares