[Capricorn]

Can I safely overwinter in a deep and a medium? I plan to provide dry sugar and run a vented box on the top. Last summer the queen was a marked Italian. She may have been superseded this spring, so they might have more local genetics now.

 

[Pugs]

I would think you should do fine. This is western Oregon we're talking about. Bees can be bringing in pollen on December 31 and January 1. The maples start blooming in Feb/March.

Pugs

 

[oregonbeek]

In Western Oregon I think you'd be fine with relatively mild winters.

I'm in Central/Southern Oregon and am a bit worried... we had -20 degree weather on a couple occasions last winter.

I'd love to know how it goes for you!

 

[Pugs]

Oregonbeek,

Can't remember where I saw it, but in Ontario Canada some overwinter in one deep. I think if you have 2 deeps you should be fine. If you're not sure, as insurance, this late fall, put some newspaper on the top of the frames in the top box, put another empty box on top and pour a 10 lb. bag of sugar in there, then put the lid on. That will provide stores for the bees to get in the winter.

Some one on this site used to do that, I think they were in New York.

Pugs