Winter Beekeeping- a beekeeper’s “off season?”
If it can be said that beekeepers have an “off season,” winter would be the season claimed. However, contrary to the notion of complete downtime, winter is, in fact, a crucial period of preparation for the upcoming beekeeping season. Devoting time and attention during the winter months to strategic planning can alleviate the inevitable pressures of the spring swarm season. Moreover, it ensures that novice beekeepers can acquire young colonies early the following spring, facilitating adequate population growth and ample food collection for the colony.
The vitality of bee colonies during the following winter is often determined by the strength of their preparation during the preceding months. Strong colonies are better equipped to withstand the challenges of both hot summers and cold winters, increasing their chances of survival. On the other hand, weakened, sickly, or small colonies may struggle for survival, especially when confronted with the harsh conditions of the seasons.
September marks the beginning of preparations for a successful winter, as experienced beekeepers begin implementing strategies to fortify their colonies. By the first round of arctic blasts, colonies have reduced the number of developing young, and are exhibiting the initial signs of winter clustering behaviors. During this period, a noticeable reduction in hive activity becomes apparent, with bees conserving energy by clustering together for warmth. Observing the hive entrances, it’s typical to discern a decrease in entrance activity, and a keen eye will notice how these activity levels fluctuate in response to the intermittent warmth provided by the sun's rays.
As winter settles in, spanning from December through February on the Texan calendar, beekeepers, both seasoned and novice, find themselves with a unique set of tasks. This window of time is invaluable for ordering next year's bee stock, assembling essential wooden ware such as hive boxes, feeders, and frames. For those new to beekeeping, winter is an opportune period to attend indoor classes that delve into beekeeping theory. These sessions cover essential topics, including management practices, industry vocabulary, honey bee anatomy, and nutrition. Additionally, it is during these winter months that beginners can place orders for their first bee colonies.
One common misconception among novice beekeepers is the belief that spring is the season for ordering bees. However, the winter months are precisely when this crucial step should be taken. It's easy to overlook this opportunity, after all it’s conterintuitive to think about ordering bees in the depths of winter’s chill! Yet, seizing this moment is pivotal for ensuring a timely and successful start to the upcoming beekeeping season.
Winter months in beekeeping are not a hiatus for beekeepers, but a crucial phase of groundwork. It's a time when experienced beekeepers fine-tune their strategies, colonies cluster together through the cold, and beginners have a unique opportunity to acquire knowledge and order their first bees. By investing effort and attention during winter months, beekeepers pave the way for a successful beekeeping season, fostering strong, resilient colonies that thrive in the face of challenges that lie ahead.