Monk;  I have exactly the same nectar flow that you describe in central
NC.  I would be concerned about colony morale requeening with a cell, and
mated queens are difficult to come by in April.  I have seen the bees pack
the brood nest when queenless, even with a virgin in the hive, during our
short flow.  Then there is the debate about 2 brood chambers versus one and
a half.....

I prefer 2 brood chambers, well fed in the fall so little feeding is needed
in the spring.  Spring feeding sets them up for swarming with our early
flow.  I also have good luck over wintering in singles, adding a box of
deep combs, and feeding heavily in early spring to set them up for the flow.

all beekeeping is local, eh?

Bill Lord
Louisburg, NC

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