while the beekeeper wants to build up the hives population FOR the bloom, so
one has to get them going well BEFORE the bloom.

So, stupid beekeeper tricks - try to fool the bees, 
-----------------------------------------------------

When I had a mentor a few decades ago I was told "thin in the spring"... let
them think there is a nectar flow.  Doing so three weeks before the real
nectar flow builds the foraging force.  That approach continues to work for
me.  No reason to change.

Thick in the fall... let them think it is honey needed for the winter.
After the real nectar is done the bees use this to fill in the empty cells
for the coming winter, but it does not encourage more brood.. i.e. mouths to
feed for the winter.

Until a better idea comes along, I will stick with thin in the spring and
thick in the fall.

Larry Krengel
Marengo, IL
(One last snow storm tonight... they say.)

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