kudzu

[chemlight]

It seems the kudzu is in full bloom here in Rydal. For those of you in central and north GA, how long does this last? Is it considered a major flow? I stopped to check out a patch near my home and there was quite a bit of action going on.

What, if any, flow comes after the kudzu? When is the last harvest of the year for our area? After the kudzu? or end of Sep, Oct?

When should I "batten down the hatches" for winter? Should I feed in November-December-January?

Thanks for your help,
Chad

[asprince]

chemlight, I too live in Central GA but I have not noticed the kuzu blooming yet. The bloom period is fairly short. Golden Rod will be blooming next month and will provide a good flow. Here in central Ga our winters are not that sever so there is no need to do anything much to prepare the bees, they will take care of themselves. If they have sufficient stores, there is no need to feed.

Good Luck, Steve 

[greg spike]

Kudzu flowers pretty briefly; I love the smell though.Never seen a bee on kudzu, but could be different where you live, bumble bees don't even seem to like it much, around here. Could be they are more interested in the pumpkin flowers and corn tassel in my yard. And the goldenrod is already flowering up the hill from me, probably be  another month before it gets going around my house.
I've heard it said, that bees need sixty or seventy pounds of honey to make it through a Georgia winter, so if you can't pick up your hives by Oct. they are probably good and don't need syrup. I personaly plan to leave them a shallow and whatever they can backfill on two deeps.

[sc-bee]

Kudzu is blooming here. It last seven to ten days or so! The blooms are very sparse this year I belive because of our drought. Of course it has't slowed down the vines :-D!

[sc-bee]

Just stopped and looked @ a few Kudzu blooms. They may still be a little early yet (I hope so)!!! Took a smell-- what a wonderful grape scent :-P!

[chemlight]

I know they smell great, thats what caused me to linger a little longer watching the girls work.

Is the golden rod enough flow to get some more honey for myself??

[pdmattox]

The bees work it here and it is just a minor flow but when there is nothing else to feed on it does help.

[asprince]

Goldenrod honey tastes good but it stinks. Smells like sweaty socks.

Steve