[crofter]

There certainly are advantages in gang wrapping boxes. I believe that is Enjambres method. I have used it and know several others who do, BUT.... there is a potential problem maintaining access individually for inspection of any top feed and confirmation of live queen in the spring. Vance G. says the wraps should stay on till corn planting time! If it is not quick and easy to get in and out and replace, we tend to get lazy and leave it off. It is third week in May here before the queen will start to lay beyond the center third of the middle frames in the box. The ends are too cold to cover brood if the hives wraps are off. Slows down build up.

I plan to make a joint in the insulation where the feed lift ring starts so that can be removed separately from the insulation on the brood boxes below.

 

[crofter]

How many hives are pushed together in a row for this method?

Four hives will allow some insulation between and still be spanned by one slice off an 8 foot sheet of styrofoam front and back. Works best if all hives have similar height componets all the way and sit on common rails. I have also used a sheet of corrugated roofing to top the group, but that is not good for individual access if you value that.