In my location it appears that the dearth is in full swing. How is the flow situation in your area?
I've got sourwood coming in right now. Seems like it will be a good year, although it's too early to know if it will be spectacular or not.
We are typically in a dearth around now and judging how fast they cleaned up the cappings I set out, we are there. Although, this year the farmers planted about 120 acres of pumpkins that are starting to bloom. I don't know how much the bees will get from it but, I know someone that will have pumpkins for decoration this year. :wink:
Dearth is here as well, summer heat has set in and is relentless. I set out the wax from my crush and strain last weekend along with all the utensils and bowls. The bees cleaned up the gear in no time, no sticky residue left.
Bone dry. There are a few weeds blooming after a sprinkle the other day, but that's it. Everyone is feeding everything they own from bees to livestock.
Though we are getting a goodly amount of rain. The time of flow has fizzled out in my location. Now I'm not speaking of the farm crops of soybeans and cotton.. I don't have bees on those 'bonus' crops. Do we have beekeepers here that do?
Phillip
Dearth since mid June in Middle Georgia, although sporadic rain has kept everything fresh and green.
People plant a lot of crepe myrtle around here. Lots of flowers on them this time of year, but not worth much to the honey bees.
Quote from: Bob Wilson on July 30, 2023, 11:20:40 PM
Dearth since mid June in Middle Georgia, although sporadic rain has kept everything fresh and green.
People plant a lot of crepe myrtle around here. Lots of flowers on them this time of year, but not worth much to the honey bees.
Bob when I first began I was hoping crepe myrtles would be a tag along, but I have found out you are right in your statement concerning them...
Phillip
I commiserate with you.
However, there is a dwarf crepe myrtle I saw honey bees working one August several years ago at our local middle school.
I might stop by there again to see if it supplies some kind of pollen perhaps.
Quote from: Bob Wilson on July 31, 2023, 04:49:39 PM
I commiserate with you.
However, there is a dwarf crepe myrtle I saw honey bees working one August several years ago at our local middle school.
I might stop by there again to see if it supplies some kind of pollen perhaps.
Let us know if the bees are on it again. That is interesting.
Phillip
Our bee inspector used to complain that Crepe Myrtle made terrible honey. Told us that at our club for years. Then his boss came and did a speech on honey plants. He told us that Crepe Myrtle does not have nectaries. So much for Terrible tasting Crepe Myrtle honey. Bees do collect pollen from it.
Jim Altmiller
Petering out but not a complete dearth.
The sourwood flow is basically over, although there are still some blossoms on the trees, but the bees have stopped drawing. There is a smattering of nectar coming in from garden and landscaping flowers, and I have pollen coming in all year round.
I have notice a few buzzing around our hibiscus plants (to no avail of course)...
Phillip