Good Afternoon,
I have a couple of questions I hope someone can help me with:
*I live in central lower Michigan in a rural area.  Thankfully no city
ordinances to deal with!  At the request of a neighbor, I placed 3 hives,
beginning with packages, adjacent to his garden.  Recently I was told there
are 4 large Basswood trees in the area.  Can anyone tell me when Basswood
bloom begins in this area.


*I have two strong hives that came though the winter very well.  I began
feeding in January more as prophylaxis than necessity, I am beginning to
think.  One is Buckfast that was started from a package last year and
produced 4 mediums in addition to drawing all of the comb in the hive and
the supers.  Last weekend was the first time I was able to examine the hive
without the fear of chilling brood.  There were a solid 3 frames plus larva
and egg at that time.  I have been contemplating splitting that hive to
decrease the inclination to swarm.  I have never done a split.  My biggest
concern is doing something wrong.  Can anyone give me "Idiot Proof"
instructions on this as in "Hive Splits For Dummies"?

Thanks,
Coleene