Driving back from Hackensack yesterday, I noticed Yellow Sweet Clover every where from Monticello south to the metro area. Some beekeepers have been getting a nectar flow. The cool weather of late has slowed it up a bit but the warmer outlook should put it back on track. So everyone in the metro area should be having a flow right now or will very soon. Supers should be on hives that have finished drawing out their boxes.
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| The burr comb on this overwintered hive has dark comb on it. Notice the new white edges. This is an indicator that a nectar flow is on. When nectar is coming in, new white comb will appear in a hive. |
Many new beekeepers that are still drawing foundation should be checking them every five days now. There are more bees in the hive now and the bees can now finish off a box very quickly. If a hive is close to finishing the last brood box, supers should be put on sooner than later. Supers go on the hive two at a time. If supers are put on too late, the bees will fill the brood boxes with honey and there will be no place for the queen to lay. Close attention to strong hives right now to prevent swarming. Still check for swarm cells on a 7 day schedule. Losing a hive to a swarm will mean no honey from that hive this year.
