[doodlebug]

I live in southern Missouri. How many deeps are used to over winter the bees? Is it bee population dependent?

 

[burns375]

0-3. Most common is 1 or 2 based on colony size

 

[sqkcrk]

I live in southern Missouri. How many deeps are used to over winter the bees? Is it bee population dependent?

Millions. No, two or three.

 

[wcubed]

Two non-answers for S.Mo. It's not population dependent. In fact, the reverse is true. The colony will adjust the population to be proportional to cavity size and stores.

You could winter in a deep and shallow, provided that the deep was backfilled with nectar in the late fall. Since we do not normally check for a completely filled broodnest in November, it would be best for you to winter in a double deep.
Walt

 

[Hoot Owl Lane Bees]

doodlebug
I am a little west of you and I over winter in 2 deeps.
Just be sure they are full of stores.
It is better to have extra for them rather than not enough.