A slideshow and some bullet points from the August meeting of the Top-Bar Beekeepers at DeLaney Farm. Leave a comment w/any questions.
IN THE SLIDESHOW
* Update on the hive that was combined last month.
* "Best" style of top bars to use.
* What is the best kind of bee brush to use?
* Using a pollen trap.
* How to crush and strain honey.
SOME TAKE-AWAYS FROM THE MTG
Conditions for Harvesting
* July and August were record-breaking dry and hot, so not much honey was made this Summer.
* The only significant plants yet to bloom are rabbitbrush and goldenrod, not ideal for another harvest; today's harvest will be the last of the year.
What to Take and What to Leave
* Any comb that is at least 50% capped is harvestable since it's so dry in CO.
* The minimum number of combs needed for overwintering is 15.
* In the past Marty has said 12, but conditions have changed and 15 is a better bet. The past decade has seen weather records broken routinely: most number of days in the 90s, coldest Winter ever, driest Summer ever, etc.
When to Restrict the Hive
* the falseback is normally put in the hive in October, but we may do it early at next month's meeting.
REMINDER
The September Top-Bar Beekeepers meeting at the farm, the last one of the year, is on the 10th at 9AM.
TRIVIA QUESTION
According to Marty, using a smoker is "____________________________." Fill in the blank.
(GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED)
IN THE SLIDESHOW
* Update on the hive that was combined last month.
* "Best" style of top bars to use.
* What is the best kind of bee brush to use?
* Using a pollen trap.
* How to crush and strain honey.
SOME TAKE-AWAYS FROM THE MTG
Conditions for Harvesting
* July and August were record-breaking dry and hot, so not much honey was made this Summer.
* The only significant plants yet to bloom are rabbitbrush and goldenrod, not ideal for another harvest; today's harvest will be the last of the year.
What to Take and What to Leave
* Any comb that is at least 50% capped is harvestable since it's so dry in CO.
* The minimum number of combs needed for overwintering is 15.
* In the past Marty has said 12, but conditions have changed and 15 is a better bet. The past decade has seen weather records broken routinely: most number of days in the 90s, coldest Winter ever, driest Summer ever, etc.
When to Restrict the Hive
* the falseback is normally put in the hive in October, but we may do it early at next month's meeting.
REMINDER
The September Top-Bar Beekeepers meeting at the farm, the last one of the year, is on the 10th at 9AM.
TRIVIA QUESTION
According to Marty, using a smoker is "____________________________." Fill in the blank.
(GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED)
