bees are finally drawing out and filling supers. i'm behind on equipment building again.
I run out as fast as I can build em :roll: Ordering equiptment as we speak lol
Spring flow is starting way up here as well with maple, willow, forsythia and every other early spring bloomer. I've seen a few dandelions so my field should be turning yellow within a few weeks.
What is the definition of a flow?
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ryan, my strongest hives have drawn out and filled most of a medium in 3 or 4 days and i'm adding more supers. that's my definition of the flow. hopefully i'll get to extract a dozen supers and get them filled again this fall. i'm planting my buckwheat today so it should be out shortly after the privet finishes up. then it's a long dearth until the fall flows start.
blanc, it's kind of a good problem to have. i've got several mediums ready but i was wanting to get more deep comb drawn out earlier. i'm thinking about just wintering in a single deep with a single medium this year or double 5 frame deeps. next year i'll add deeps at the beginning of the flows. i'm supering today then i have to get a chicken coop built so i can get my pullets out of the shop next week. i've got too many projects going and 'm busy with work.
Quote from: Ryan820 on May 07, 2014, 10:41:02 AM
What is the definition of a flow?
Ryan, not sure you will find a written definition of the word as a beekeeping term. It is a term that most beekeepers use when they begin to see enough nectar begin to come in a hive that it appears the bees are bringing in enough to gather a surplus. For me,in my area. during a flow you will begin to see the signs of white was in the hive on the frames and the capping of the honey frames. This means the wax makng of the bees in in full force and is evident due to the amount of nectar coming in. Some do not agree the white wax is a sign of the flow but a lot of beekeepers reference the flow and white wax together.
Well guys I gave it a stab in my words..... help me out if I was wrong or unclear :-D
Not that I am a Wikipedia fan but her is their definition:
Honey flow is a term used by beekeepers indicating that one or more major nectar sources are in bloom and the weather is favorable for bees to fly and collect the nectar in abundance.
Flow=High bee activity. You can tell whem they're really working something. It's almost a frenzy. But SC gave the correct answer.
what are yall seeing up in south carolina? i would think that you'd be ahead of me ray. sounds like steve's area might be more similar to mine.
Quote from: 10framer on May 07, 2014, 04:22:00 PM
what are yall seeing up in south carolina? i would think that you'd be ahead of me ray. sounds like steve's area might be more similar to mine.
Past white wax by about 2 weeks now. Activity is fast paced. About as busy as I've seen based on external activity. I'll know more friday. Looking forward to a good report. Its been 5 days since I've been able to look in.
Ray is closer to the coast and two three weeks ahead of me. I am in the upper mid-state and bees are struggling to draw white wax.
:) :) :) Pulled a 8 frame medium today that was 100% capped, got a little over 1/2 of a five gal. bucket, capping still dripping, :) :) :). Other hives have about half of each frame capped. Third year and with 5 strong over winter hives. Added 7 more hives this year, 2 false swarms I made, 3 swarms I caught and two NUCs from cell in one hive, :-D :-D :-D.
Looks good here, hope yall have a good year too.
dan
i'm not getting capped honey yet. maybe in another week or so.
Sea of yellow dandelions around here now.
We're on our way to swarm season if it ever warms up.
Yep it's rocking along here too!! :lol: and the Gallberry is just now starting to get right. Most hives have at least 3 supers full already and some working on 5.
The privet is in full bloom. It has a sweet smell and makes good honey. I added the third super to one of my hives.
Steve
steve it's already about half out around me. a lot of people really hate privet honey and say it tastes bitter. to me it's just really sweet. it's not my favorite but it i have a hive drawing out it's third medium of foundation and i'm hoping to get at least another one from them.
if the weather will allow it i'm planting buckwheat this weekend.
Privet is in full bloom here....was looking at it this morning. I don't see any bees on it, they must have something better to focus on. :?