Here we are in August of another year. The years just go so fast!!
This year was, again, a strange year for Bees. Lost a bunch of hives in the winter of 2025, rebuilt from swarms and have maintained through the summer. A pretty light nectar flow as it rained a lot this spring.
Summer got cut short after a blistering July. August started out warm and then everything just chilled down. On this date temperatures have already dropped to the high 50’s at night. Mid to high 70’s in the day. This weather is suppose to continue into September.
In July there was a bit of a dearth, but not really much to write about in the blog….so I didn’t. Two of my hives were low on food. I did a little feeding. One took the syrup and one did not. All of a sudden, all of the hives became very active. They had found a source of food and were busy bringing it in.
I learned that a local farmer, whom I support at my local Farmer’s Market, and who only lives a mile or so from me, planted a cover crop of Sun Hemp. Crotalaria juncea . It was blooming at his farm and my Honey Bees were all over it. I guess I know what the source was that got them busy.
The week after, the Winged Sumac started to bloom along with Obedient plant and Iron Weed. Sumac is very beneficial as it provides pollen in the morning and nectar in the afternoon.
All of a sudden, we had a light flow and the bees are Loving it!!!
Sundrops Oenothera Fruticosa have also started blooming
I wont take any of this food as it will be their stores for winter. Next up is Golden Rod, Asters and my favorite – Swamp Sunflower.
Yes, the Bees are busy again. No more wash boarding!! It’s time to bring in the winter stores.
Until next time
Namaste’
