>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
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