January

Check that the hive and protection against predators is intact especially after high winds.
Check that the hive entrance is kept clear of snow.
Check the level of food stores by hefting the hive, lifting the back of the hive just off the stand to gauge the weight.
Take the opportunity to study about bees and beekeeping, attending a course of instruction where possible
Treat with hive clean.

February

Check the stores by hefting the hive and provide emergency feeding if necessary – CANDIPOLLINE GOLD is perfect!
Check hives have not been disturbed and the mouse and woodpecker protection is still intact.
Clear the entrance of debris, snow and dead bees.
Collect and prepare equipment needed for the coming season.

March

Check food reserves and feed CANDIPOLLINE GOLD if necessary.
Carry out a quick inspection if the weather is suitable (dry and 12C and above)
Monitor natural varroa mite drop and treat with HIVE CLEAN
Prepare clean brood frames and foundation for replacement
Prepare supers and queen excluders
Prepare a spare hive with frames and foundation for swarm control.

April

Start regular weekly inspections.
Keep up with HIVE CLEAN treatment
Add a queen excluder and super when the brood box is full of bees.
Replace old comb with foundation or sterilised combs.
Practise your chosen swarm control method before you find queen cells.
Mark the queen and clip her wings if you wish.
Attend the BBKA Spring Convention.

May

Continue checks for occupied queen cells and take swam control measures if necessary.
Add supers ahead of the bees requirements – always give them space!
Remove ‘ripe’ oilseed rape honey and extract it.
Be prepared to receive your nucleus of bees from Mr Bees – if ordered early enough.

June

Remove the spring honey and extract it straight away.
Ensure your colonies are not short of food but avoid sugar syrup being stored in supers.
Continue weekly inspections and undertake swarm control if required.
Continue collecting swarms.
Continue to treat with HIVE CLEAN.

July

Continue to add supers ahead of the bees requirements.
Reduce entrances to avoid robbing by bees and wasps.
Remove surplus honey when ready for extraction.
Continue to treat with Hive Clean.
Assemble equipment required to extract and bottle honey.
Reserve the extractor if you are borrowing it from your local association.

August

Finish taking off the honey harvest.

Check the bees have sufficient stores.

Carry out a thorough disease inspection.

Treat for Varroa as necessary.

Unite small coloniesStore clean, dry supers and protect from wax moth.

We start feeding in the 2nd week of August (Suffolk).

September

Check each comb to assess honey stores – continue to feed sugar syrup.
Ensure stores are 18kg.
Remove, clean and store the queen excluder
Continue to treat with HIVE CLEAN.

October

Continue feeding if necessary with sugar syrup if the bees are not clustering – if they are – feed with CANDIPOLLINE GOLD – its excellent.
Remove the entrance block and fit a mouse guard.
Fit wire netting around the hive to deter woodpeckers.
Drizzle with hive clean – ensure its at body temperature.
Clean, sterilise, repair and store spare equipment.
Say a little prayer in late October and wish the bees the very best.

November

Check the hive protection against predators is intact after windy weather.
Check the entrance is not blocked by snow or debris.
Complete cleaning, sterilising, repairing and storing equipment.
Make a list of practical beekeeping presents that friends and family can get you for Christmas!

December

Check the hive protection against predators is intact.
Check that the hive entrance is kept clear of snow and debris.
Review your beekeeping and plan for next year.
Do lots of reading.
Get a syllabus and entry form for the BBKA Basic Assessment.