Hello to all and Lloyd :
        I have a question as I have been out of beekeeping and am considered to be
a Newbee around Tucson. I currently have one beehive that is on 4.9
foundation and the cut-out comb from the swarm this summer. They are
currently in 4 deeps and a western. They have all there needs taken care of
at the present and have come off a feeding period that has made them strong
for the Fall honey flow that is beginning here. Since I live in the desert
and the 2 flows here are more like explosions I must be far more ready to
plan for them than that of a long and lingering one found in the mid-west
from where I had more experience as I am sure all on this list are use to.
        By the way I will be splitting the above questioned hive into two and I
will keep three deeps for brood and pollen and honey to keep them in tune
for the laps of supplies between flows. A good estimate of a good year is
five Western supers of surplus honey here in Tucson or anywhere else.
My question is this: While a useful tool for establishing a hive deeps take
almost all of a month to draw and the use of westerns are more useful for
surplus honey. While the flow continues until mid to late November, an
estimate at present, I a trying to draw out as much comb as I can for the
next season. The deeps are not too much of a bother as there is almost
always a source of pollen and some nectar the year round. The Westerns
however are another story as they are measured to be 2/3's of a deep to
begin with. I need the westerns for honey production. There fore how can I
get the most out of the Western supers next year? Should I mix foundation
and drawn out comb together to allow for expansion into more finished
supers? Or should I just place a complete foundation Western super and let
them turn it into comb?
Respectfully Submitted
Harvey
In Tucson!