A YEAR IN THE
APIARY

As autumn draws to a close and temperatures are dropping and daylight hours decreasing, it's important to ensure that your bees have enough food and are protected from the elements. In addition, November is an ideal time to begin planning for the coming year, reviewing your beekeeping practices and considering any changes or improvements you may wish to make. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your bees stay healthy and strong throughout the winter, ready to thrive when spring arrives.

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​Feed bees: In most parts of the UK, the nectar flow from flowers will have stopped by November, so it's important to ensure that the bees have enough food to last them through the winter. If they don’t have enough stores, you can feed them fondant. Heft the hive to check the weight to ensure sufficient stores.

 

Protect hives from winter weather: Hives should be properly protected from the cold and wet winter weather. This can be done by wrapping the hives with insulation, adding entrance reducers to prevent cold drafts, and ensuring that the hives are raised off the ground to prevent water from entering the hive.

 

Plan for next year: November is also a good time to start planning for the next beekeeping season. You can start thinking about buying new equipment, ordering new bees, or planning for any necessary repairs or improvements to their apiary.

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Attend local beekeeping events: Many beekeeping associations and organizations hold events, including workshops, conferences, and meetings. Attend these events to network with other beekeepers, learn new techniques, and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in beekeeping.