>How predictable is the timing of blooms for the major forages? Times van vary by as much as 2 weeks. Once you notice the first bloom, you may be perhaps a week or two late, because bloom times will be earlier in valleys and low lands. Bloom calendar can provide a start, but is best to make your own calendar next season, by watching the blooms. I divide my calendar by 1/2 month first bloom times. In my area, April 1 to 15 - cherry, peach, dandelion April 15 to 30 - Apples, Pears, Mustard, Black Cherry, Downey Serviceberry Last Week in April - first swarm , May 1 to 15, Black Locust May 15 to 31 Tulip popular I'll super up 2 weeks prior to first bloom. Remember not to under super for black locust which in boom years can fill 3 or 4 supers, so I stack 3 supers on strong colonies for early flow, 2 weeks prior to first bloom. Best Wishes, J. Waggle SW Pennsylvania http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HistoricalHoneybeeArticles/ "Thomas Butler, of Bloomington, Ill., was to have been married Tuesday evening. Tuesday afternoon he accidentally overturned a hive of bees and was stung nearly to death. On the principle that he had suffered enough for one day, the wedding was postponed." -1881 Milwaukee, Wisconsin *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm