Now that the shortest days are slowly getting longer we look towards the promise of spring! We’ve been out checking on one of our yards and sadly one hive has absconded. The other hives at that yard are doing well and now we cross our fingers that the preparations we did in both mite control and winter food stores will provide our bees with the best possible survival in this cold and wet winter we’ve had. We’ll check on the other hives
Now is the time to start prepping for spring markets! We’ve got lotions, soaps, balms, and candles to make, and some new products to test out as well. Also, it’s a time for cleaning equipment, organizing things, and ordering in supplies. There is lots to do but not on so much of a schedule, which is nice.
It’s also time to clean beesuits and choose new gloves – always a fun but a little stressful as gloves are the things that make or break beekeeping for me. I want them supple and tight, but sting-proof as any stings I get on my hands and arms swell badly and stay itchy for a long time. I admire those who can go bare-handed but at this point it’s not for me.
This picture shows me hooking up the bear fence. Hopefully it’s not needed but better safe than sorry. You can see some of our wrapped hives in this yard, and they have insulation under the lid as well. Keep warm ladies!