The beekeeping year, month by month

What you are looking for when you open up, and whether you should be opening up at all.

• JanuaryNothing inside — heft for weight and make sure the entrance is clear.
• FebruaryPollen going in on mild days — a sign the queen is laying.
• MarchEggs and brood in a good pattern, enough stores, and a clean floor.
• AprilQueen cells, play cups with eggs in them, and whether they need a super.
• MayQueen cells first, then space, then eggs.
• JuneQueen cells, and stores — the June gap can catch a big colony out.
• JulyCapped honey ready to take, and queen cells until mid-month.
• AugustCapped supers to take, mite drop, and wasps at the entrance.
• SeptemberStores (aim for 15 to 20 kg going into winter), a laying queen, no mite problem.
• OctoberWeight when hefted, a clear entrance, and that the mouse guard is on.
• NovemberNothing inside — the roof stays on.
• DecemberNothing inside — this is the month for oxalic acid, not inspections.