The tasks and activities in an apiary, or beekeeping operation, vary throughout the year and depend on a number of factors, including the weather, the needs of the bees, and the goals of the beekeeper. As we plan ahead for the coming year, here is an overview of some of the tasks and activities that may be performed in an apiary on a monthly basis:
January:
- Review financial records and make any necessary adjustments to the budget for the coming year
- Assess the condition of the hive boxes, frames, and other equipment, and make any needed repairs or replacements
- Order any necessary supplies, such as feed or medication, for the coming year
- Check on the bees to make sure they have enough food and are healthy
February:
- Continue monitoring the bees for signs of health issues, such as disease or parasites, and take any necessary actions to address these issues
- Pay special attention to the thermometer–try not to open your hives if the temperature is too low.
- If daily temperatures allow, begin preparing for the spring honey flow by feeding the bees sugar water or pollen supplements
- Consider purchasing new bees or queens to add to the hive, if needed
- Begin cleaning and repairing any equipment that will be needed for the coming season
March:
- Monitor the weather and start looking for signs of the first nectar flow of the year
- Begin feeding the bees sugar water or pollen supplements to help them build up their strength for the busy spring and summer months
- Check the hive for any signs of swarming, and take steps to prevent it if necessary
- Consider splitting the hive into multiple hives if it is getting too crowded
April:
- Check the hive regularly for signs of new queen cells, which may indicate that the hive is preparing to swarm
- You may harvest a bit of early honey if the bees have produced enough to spare OR
- Consider adding additional honey supers, or boxes for the bees to store honey in, if needed
- Monitor the weather and be prepared to take steps to protect the hive if there is a risk of frost or other adverse conditions
May:
- Continue harvesting honey as needed, make sure to plan harvesting to make sure the bees will have enough all year.
- Monitor the hive for any signs of disease or pests, and take any necessary actions to address these issues
- Consider adding additional honey supers, or boxes for the bees to store honey in, if needed
- Start preparing for the busy summer season by making sure that all equipment is in good working order and that the hive has plenty of food and other resources
June:
- Monitor the hive for any signs of swarming, and take steps to prevent it if necessary
- Check the hive for any signs of disease or pests, and take any necessary actions to address these issues
- Harvest honey as needed
- Consider adding additional honey supers, or boxes for the bees to store honey in, if needed
July:
- Monitor the hive for any signs of disease or pests, and take any necessary actions to address these issues
- Harvest honey as needed
- Consider adding additional honey supers, or boxes for the bees to store honey in, if needed
- Start preparing for the fall season by making sure that the hive has plenty of food and other resources to get through the winter months
August:
- Monitor the hive for any signs of disease or pests, and take any necessary actions to address these issues. Make sure to be proactive about treating for varroa
- Harvest honey as needed
- Consider adding additional honey supers, or boxes for the bees to store honey in, if needed
- Check the hive for any signs of swarming, and take steps to prevent it if necessary
September:
- Monitor the hive for any signs of disease or pests, and take any necessary actions to address these issues
- Harvest honey as needed
- Consider adding additional honey supers, or boxes for the bees to store honey in, if needed
- Start preparing for the winter season by making sure that the hive has enough food and other resources to get through the cold months
October:
- Monitor the hive for any signs of disease or pests, and take any necessary actions to address these issues
- Harvest honey as needed
- Consider adding additional honey supers, or boxes for the bees to store honey in, if needed
- Check the hive for any signs of swarming, and take steps to prevent it if necessary
November:
- Monitor the hive for any signs of disease or pests, and take any necessary actions to address these issues
- If needed, do a last harvest of honey before you winterize the bees and put them to bed for the year
- Make sure that the hives are well-insulated and protected from the cold winter weather. Add quilt boxes, wrapping, and sugar boards for winter.
December:
- Monitor the hive for any signs of disease or pests, and take any necessary actions to address these issues
- Check the hive regularly to make sure that the bees have enough food and are staying warm during the cold winter months
- Start planning for next year!
Overall, the tasks and activities in an apiary will vary throughout the year and depend on the needs of the bees and the goals of the beekeeper. By monitoring the hive regularly and taking the necessary steps to ensure the health and well-being of the bees, it is possible to help ensure the success and sustainability of the apiary.