Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Beefunkrailroad on January 19, 2015, 12:21:16 PM

Title: Beneficial crops for bees
Post by: Beefunkrailroad on January 19, 2015, 12:21:16 PM
Happy New Year to everyone!  2015 is going to be a great year!
I would love hear some wisdom and receive some advice. 
We have 10-15 acres that can bee used for crop planting around our bee yard. 
What would you recommend planting to help either provide a nectar source or supplement during Summer dearth.

I have been told that Buckwheat is a good crop to plant and that Cow Peas are good.  I am going to be planting over a large area.
Any ideas? 
Title: Re: Beneficial crops for bees
Post by: 10framer on January 19, 2015, 02:11:59 PM
i plant buckwheat and disc it under after it goes to seed until the first frost.  i get 3 blooms from one planting.
next winter i'm going to be planting canola.
Title: Re: Beneficial crops for bees
Post by: Dallasbeek on January 19, 2015, 03:42:53 PM
Does the buckwheat come back, or do you have to plant each year? 
Title: Re: Beneficial crops for bees
Post by: Beefunkrailroad on January 19, 2015, 04:05:04 PM
That is a great question Dallasbeek.
Also 10framer, is there some other crop you would recommend to plant along with the Buckwheat?
Title: Re: Beneficial crops for bees
Post by: jayj200 on January 19, 2015, 06:49:23 PM
does it have to be one crop

down here there is a tree or bush with a flower looks like a starburst or a fire cracker going off it is red. I don't know the name, the bees were all over it last week.

I would find stuff that fruits, nuts, or veges 
then find when it flowers in your area. spread the flower times out evenly
Title: Re: Beneficial crops for bees
Post by: OldMech on January 19, 2015, 09:52:54 PM
what you plant in kentucky may not be the same as I would here in Iowa..
   Sainfoin, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Crimson and sweet clover, with JUST a smattering of buckwheat thrown in..   In the fall i will mow and bale it for the cows and horses. yes buckwheat will cause sun problems, thats why I am not adding much of it..    I will have to replant about every 5 years..
Title: Re: Beneficial crops for bees
Post by: Beefunkrailroad on January 21, 2015, 03:49:55 PM
Hey there OldMech, I just talked to a few bee keepers here in Kentucky and they recommended the buckwheat and clover.  Also Sunflower and Mustard.
What do you mean by sun problems?  Does a lot of buckwheat cause issues to a field?
Title: Re: Beneficial crops for bees
Post by: OldMech on January 21, 2015, 07:11:49 PM
No, with the animals that eat it. Primarily horses. Photosensitization (ulcerative and exudative dermatitis).  A little is OK but too much will start to cause problems. It wont hurt your field at all.   Make sure if you plant a lot of it that you like the licorice flavor it gives the honey. Some folks love it, some hate it.
Title: Re: Beneficial crops for bees
Post by: Dallasbeek on January 21, 2015, 09:08:09 PM
To me, it tastes a little like molasses.  I like it.
Title: Re: Beneficial crops for bees
Post by: 10framer on January 21, 2015, 10:07:35 PM
buckwheat is supposed to come back but i've always plowed it under and planted deer fields in those spots in the fall.