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YB - something that will be very helpful is keeping a journal of flowering plants in your immediate area. I failed to do this the first couple of years, and now that I have started, I can see what to...

I've heard my dad say when he was a kid, if a swarm was spotted, he would chase after it - banging on metal dish pans and such. I think the idea was simulate a thunderstorm to get the swarm to...

Mike, I have a few late plants that just emerged. 80 days is what is stated until - I assume - flowering. That should be around October 1st. I generally don't get a frost before the 15th but my goal...

ABK,

My comment was more to the ones not associated with OP. My experience - being approved for a grant on a drystack litter shed. Circumstances changed and I was informed if I didn't proceed...

Vance...I think Two_cyl has it pegged. USDA/NRCS = subsidies. I have "taken advantage" of a couple over the years. I have found the strings attached (sometimes) makes no (common) sense.

Am I...

Sounds like another good tip...

Sergey, I must ask - are those striped runways I'm seeing on the bottom board? :)

CC

The only problem I have in using a drag is the stubble/debris collects and makes for dips, ditches, humps and bumps...
What works well for me is a disc harrow with all the "angle" removed and set...

How is your weather? Getting dry? Check out this thread: http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?272091-Do-queens-shut-down

CC

Scrapfe - I bought japanese buckwheat two years ago as an alternative to the common. You know, the nectar production debate. Not wanting to lose my seed, I have planted in strips to make it easier to...

Buckwheat will bloom - shall we say "in succession" ? There will be mature seeds on the lower branches while it is flowering at the top. So, it CAN become a weed. To some people, anyway.

I think...

Wow...

Lauri - turn those hives 180 degrees and your bees can become bonafide couch potatoes. Or maybe that would be comb potatoes?

Very nice.

CC

Rx,
I don't recall seeing honeybees work green/sweet peas. I know bumbles do. Not to say they won't or can't...just never noticed.
I want to think it may have to do with the flower structure....

I agree with Mark - freezing combs before storing works. However, unless you keep them in the freezer, other measures will be needed to prevent re-infestation.

I use plastic foundation so if it is a small area, I scratch out the "track". Large areas I have scraped down, but most cases I just replace the entire frame.

I try to keep them in freezer at least 48 hours.

Many opinions on buckwheat and nectar from it. I have planted different varieties....at different times....under different growing conditions. The only planting I have no opinion on is early spring....

I've been considering starting a colony on HSC for the sole purpose of getting them to draw foundationless frames that I would put between the HSC brood frames. My assumption is

1) the...

Steve,

I've never experienced robbing - but I recall a recent discussion and the advice, as I recall, was screen the entrance at night after everybody was home. Next day, with screen still in...

Probably due to the dry conditions. Blooms do not always equal nectar. We went through a similar period here with very little rainfall for about 6-8 weeks. Made for testy bees and I would rarely see...

Oneup...I feel my first and biggest mistake as a beginner was robbing the super of their late spring stores. It was MY first taste of MY honey. I wound up losing the hive the following early spring....

I resemble that remark...

Very much worth doing for the experience, as well as keeping your bees at home.

Clover seeds are usually coated with an innoculant (light blue color?) to help with germination. Also, many other seeds are coated with a fungicide (red/orange color). Both are bee-safe.

I've always read two weeks between moves...or a branch or something in front of the entrance to make them re-orient.

Might get a clue here: http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?270655-Automatic-Supersedure-of-1st-year-Colonies

Not saying the thread pertains to your situation exactly - just...

Very cool colors there, rail...

As for drawing out frames, was that feeding or foraging only?