Spring!

Finally. Longer days, warmer temps, green grass and blooms all over. Normally, this is the time of year I would be putting down fertilizer. I love a crisp, full, weed free and green lawn but this year is different. I’ll bypass the fertilizer (saving some money) to help please the bees. In looking around I’ve noticed honeybees frequently on the dandelions. So, if you hate paying for fertilizer put your wallet at ease all while helping the bees. And don’t judge your neighbor’s yard that’s full of clover and dandelions…they are now my favorite neighbors to have! 

I’ve been waiting to do our spring inspections with my bee mentor. I think I know what to look for and hope for but having him there to talk me through it is a luxury I’m not quite ready to give up. I have been watching and observing the hives. While both have bees coming and going, hive #2 just has so many more bees flying. Today I panicked and was worried hive #1 was possibly dead. I just wasn’t seeing as many bees and I wanted. 

Without the little beekeeper or my mentor I decided to suit up and go take a peek. It was sunny and 70, I thought it would be ok. I had the smoker on hand but didn’t use it. The less I disturb the bees the better. As I opened hive #1 I was relieved to see bees. 

While I was happy that both hives had bees, they were different by comparison. Hive #1 had only made a small dent in the sugar board (food) while hive #2 had completely consumed it. The sugar boards were placed on each hive last year as an “insurance policy” for winter. My understanding is it helps ensure the bees won’t run out of honey and starve. I’m not sure how to interpret what one hive having none left and the other hive having a lot left means. I’m hopeful to gain better insight from my mentor. I’ll keep you posted on any conclusions. 

As spring continues keep an eye out for honeybees. Feel free to plant flowers and grow weeds in your yard…it makes the bees and beekeepers happy! 

-Worker Bee 2021