Hello all,
I now have my new hive set up in my back yard. It has taken me a few weeks studying the sun and shade area to find what I feel is the best location for my hive. The photo was taken at around 6:00 pm with the morning SE sun behind me. The 3 walls were erected to kind of shelter my hive from people who walk the sidewalk that runs the length of my property to the south. I'm in a residential area and it may be a little questionable on whether I can have a hive or not. You can't see the screen that covers the entire front but should deflect the bees flight pattern.
Thoughts and ideas would be appreciated. Also, I have not gotten my bees yet, but, when I do, should I start with just that one super or should I add a medium? Thanx in advance. Hope the photo shows up
Hi Scoobee!
For me, I want morning sunlight hitting my hives as early as possible. Do you have a good feel for where that would be in your yard?
I like to have it in a location where deciduous trees will give it some late afternoon shade and facing south to south east with a screen to the north (to offer some shelter from harsh winter winds.) But, being in Florida, I am guessing that the focus is more on shade then sun or wind breaks.
All I can tell you is that checking your bees in July and August can be a bear unless you have a little shade to work in.
To all, I must say I'm sorry about the picture, there won't be one due to restrictions on the forum. I will best describe my set up briefly. My hive faces the SE sun in the A.M. then is in full shade in afternoon around 1:00 pm. I have a wooden 6 ft fence on on 3 sides. The front that faces the se sun is screened to deflect the bees flight. On the side is an opening for me to walk thru to tend to the hive from the side or rear of the hive.
Although I do have hives in shady areas, I prefer full sun all day. Sure, it makes working them a sweaty experience, but the benifit in SHB control is worth it. They're already a continuing problem for me this year...keep your hives str ong!
Scott