June already – so will there be a traditional “June Gap” this year? Sometimes in parts of UK (and certainly in Hampshire) there can be a gap between the last of the spring nectar and the beginning of the summer nectar flow. It depends on what’s planted in the area around the apiary; gardens often offer a continuous supply of nectar if they incorporate varied, accessible plants.
Our bees did well during the heatwave in the last week of May. Now that the weather has deteriorated, some colonies might be short of stores, particularly if a spring honey harvest has been taken or there is a gap in forage. Supplementary feeding can help, but only as much as is needed otherwise sugar could be stored and would contaminate the honey crop.
The seasonal flurry of swarms is over but not finished. Colonies can still build up quickly given the correct conditions: warm, dry weather and plenty accessible nectar and pollen. Congestion or lack of space for the queen to lay eggs is likely to lead to swarming at any time in the active season.
June is a good time to take stock of equipment. The main colony expansion is over so the urgency for brood boxes and frames is diminishing. We are hoping for a really good summer, and turning our minds to clean honey supers and frames.
Some of our members are using this time to raise new queens from the best of their colonies, so that our bees are headed by “local mongrel” queens that are well-suited to their environment. Sometimes there are new queens to spare, and these are offered for sale to other members (contact the association secretary if you have queens to spare or would like to buy).
If you are a Romsey & District BKA member, don’t forget our Honey Show in September. Start planning now: keep a couple of jars of your best honey, save your best wax for cleaning and moulding, and try the honey cake recipe. Our schedule is available in the members’ area of this website.