Greg,
 
You should be seeing the poplars and locust bloom an a couple of weeks.
They are blooming here east of Raliegh now. (About two or three weeks
early). You should not have to give pollan but the bees need sugar water
to pull foundation. A 50/50 mixture as long as they will take it will
not hurt. As for medication, ask 5 different beekeepers and get 6
different answers and all will be right. Your package bees are supposed
to be free of diseases and pests. You may treat if you like. You will
have a sourwood bloom ending the last of July and should treat for all
diseases and pests at that time.
 
Don
 
 
 
 
 
>
> I'll be picking up two three-pound packages at Brushy Mountain's "Bee Day"
> a week from this Saturday. By that point, here in the southern half of
> Piedmont North Carolina, the maples and oaks should be about done in terms
> of bloom. The choke cherries are in full bloom now, so I imagine they'll be
> done, too. The blackberries, though, of which we have LOTS within a mile or
> so, should be just starting to peak. (At least, I hope they'll hold on that
> long.)
>
> I know from the many books I've read that I should feed sugar syrup. I'm
> less clear -- given the bloom scenario above, whether pollen or pollen
> substitute is necessary.
>
> I'm still less clear on medications. Should I leave apistan and/or extender
> patty (with or without medication) on 'til after adding a second full-sized
> hive body? Or should I dispense with medication 'til fall.
>
> Thanks for any and all advice.
>
> Greg
>
> ____________________________________________________
> Greg Hankins                       Mt. Gilead, NC
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