>Whether a colony survives the winter in good condition is determined more by its make-up than by the kind or amount of protection. The temperatures in screened hives were similar to temperatures in wooden hives, demonstrating how little heat leaves the cluster.
Absolutely right in my view - without young winter bees there is very little chance of overwintering colonies successfully. Here in the Midlands of the UK most of the major flows are over in July - after the income is OK for the colonies but rarely much surplus for us. If the weather then turns really poor the queens can shut down completely and if there is no decent weather in September/October then colonies can be in very poor condition for winter.
I always like to see good weather for the ivy (September/October). Fresh nectar and copious amounts of pollen can really set colonies up.
Best wishes
Peter
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W
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