Hello
I was wondering if anyone knows when soybeans come into full bloom in southern virginia. My next door neighbor has about ten to fifteen acres planted and my bees are flying off in that direction and they have been going at it like gang busters the past few mornings. I watch them and they always head in that direction so i was wondering if thats what they could be working they are bringing in lot of rteddish orange pollen to alight yellow color and half can't even make it to the hive without landing on me or the ground before they make it to the hive.
Tom
even in the range of 10 miles the time of blooming may vary. wouldn't be the simplest way just to go check out :shock:
Hello
Thank you for the info but my neighbor is one of those who does not like people to go on his land but i will just guess thats what they may or may not be working as long as they aredoing well i'm ok.
Tom
I dont think bees usually work soy beans...or maby thats some other kind
of bean
most of the soybeans around here (Frederick, Poolesville, Dickerson, Leesburg, VA) are done. I suppose some could still be in bloom as it is planted at various times. I suppose bees will forage on it but it's not a particular favorite with the local crew here.
Soy beans, like most legumes, are self-pollinating. It may not be their first choice but if an area is heavy with it the bees will work it and work it hard. Bees are used for pollinating soy bean crops just as it is for other crops.