Forage

Spring Notes!🐝

apiarymanager Forage, PBKA, Stories of Interest, Training

What a wonderful spring for the bees. The flowers just keep on coming, fruit trees, dandelion, white clover and of course the may blossom and sycamore means the bees have filled the hives supers to bursting. The dilemma is, how much to harvest, all, some or none? Take none and inspections take longer you need more kit etc etc, take all then feed for the June gap or just take about half. The June gap is upon us very soon but should we worry?. The Elder flowers are bursting out right now and the brambles are full of buds, perhaps there will be no lean period and the flow will continue. Happy beekeeping to you all.

Peter Kirkup

PBKA Asian Hornet Coordinator

Editors Note: At the time of publishing we are getting reports that the Bramble is flowering early this year, so hopefully no June gap or starvation issues, weather permitting of course!🐝

Plants for Bees

apiarymanager Forage

We often get asked to suggest plants which will be good for bees and with spring easing its way in it is a good time to think about making a bee, and other insect, friendly garden.  The British Beekeepers’ Association have a comprehensive, 20 page, list on their website in pdf format which should provide plenty of ideas for all sizes of garden.

The list is grouped by flowering season within plant type and shows if the plant is a source of pollen or nectar, and the recommended planting season.

Click here to see and download the document.