Harvest this Weekend

[Pond Creek Farm]

I have some found time this weekend and have decided to harvest what there is to harvest.  I know, or at least strongly suspect, that I have several frames of foundationless mediums to pull.  My plan is to pull what is capped and leave out (away from the hives) that which is not.  I plan to draw the hives down to two deeps and be done with stealing honey for the year.  I will allow the bees to clean up the frames after harvest and then put the equipment away until next year.  I am assuming that the bees will continue to gather nectar and make winter stores, but when should I start with the winter feed mix?  I am terrible at judging how much is enough, so I'd rather be safe than sorry on this issue.  My first thought was to put jars on all the hives until it is too cold for them to take it.  Perhaps this is a wrong thing to do.  I would appreciate your collective advice. 

[Bee-Bop]

I believe in our area those that feed  patties & sugar syrup figure about Sept.15, thats what I shoot for any way.

Bee-Bop

[gguidester]

That seems early, to be wrapping things up.  I'm pulling off whats there this weed-end then holding out for the golden rod harvest later in Sept., and I'm in southern Wisconsin.  I would think you folks had some time left to be harvesting. :-*

[Pond Creek Farm]

I wondered that but then felt given my lack of successful wintering last year that I'd better be safe than sorry of the winter stores thing.

[wharfrat]

You will probably get responses of a 100 different ways to do it...but to me, I would think you might not have to feed at all. If you are wintering in 2 deeps and they are heavy...that may be plenty sufficient to get them through the winter from everything I have read..

I don't have the years of experience as others on this board...but do be careful with Boardman feeders if that is what you plan to use. I will never use them at the hive entrance again...especially during a dearth like we have right now..you will just be asking for trouble..robbing will likely ensue which will further reduce your chances for getting your hive through winter!

Good luck!

[Tucker1]

I was generous with my girls last year and began feeding them right after I harvested. When the heavy snow came in Dec. and it was too difficult to get to the girls, I let them draw down their winter stores. However, in Feb. I started to feed them on a regular basis, using the slit plastic bag technique. Around the first of March, as the weather warmed up, they were being fed regularly both pollen and a brood booster. When April came around, they were in great shape. The hives were strong and ready for Spring. My girls are Carnies, which are suppose to build up quickly in the spring and throttle back in the fall.

I suspect I baby my girls far too much, but they work hard for me and I have an obligation to take good care of them. The effort seems to well worth it.

Regards,
Tucker1