Month by month

Beekeeping in March

When you do open up in March, you are looking for eggs and brood in a good pattern, enough stores, and a clean floor.

Can I inspect my bees in March?

Only on a warm, still afternoon: a first look needs 15 °C or more, dry, and wind under 22 km/h, between 9am and 6pm. Keep it short, and close up if the bees are clustered tight.

Jobs for March

• First look of the year only on a warm, still afternoon of 15 °C or more. Keep it short.
• Confirm the queen is laying (eggs, worker brood), check stores, look for disease on the open brood.
• Swap or clean the floor. Remove mouse guards once the days are reliably warm.
• Feed syrup only once it is warm enough for them to take it; fondant otherwise.