Peter B noted - "success feeding hard blocks of sugar candy in winter"

It is my understanding that beekeepers that top their hives with blocks of hard candy are employing the belt and suspender approach to winter feed. The candy is for emergency use if the liquid stores run out. This would typically happen in late winter - early spring. If the hives are not easily reachable at that time of year then it saves the beekeeper a visit and a worry. 

Ability to use the candy relies on availability of water which is more likely as the winter wanes.

Winter climates are not all the same. I was raised in southern Ontario and then moved to eastern Ontario. As a teenager I did not own winter boots. Here in Ottawa I have two pair, one for cold wet and one for deep snow. When the snow comes it stays. I also have 3 styles of snow shovels depending on conditions. The fire hydrants have 5 foot posts attached so they can be found and not hit by snow plows. The prairies are different again. Not as much snow but windier, colder, and dryer. 

Regards Peter

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