> Although the second half of May was better, there were cool (or cold!)
> northerly winds on 8 days and minima of 4C and 5C on the nights of 23rd
and
> 24th - just right to start rape honey granulating in the combs!

Wow impressive record keeping, I don't have your level of data but do know
that the weather in May was hot enough to produce considerable water loss
from the soil, with much more irrigation needed for transplanted crops than
expected. No significant rain until yesterday. (April was very wet though)

 However,
> queens have been slow to mate and a number of colonies split to prevent
> swarming earlier in May still have no laying queen.  I suspect that we
will
> have to re-unite soon,

What do you put this down too? did you make your splits earlier than usual?
Perhaps poor drone numbers or not good quenn flying weather?

Regards Phil Moore

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