Saturday, 02/29 - High of 62!

To Feed or Not to Feed!
Looking at the weather forecast for the next week, I'm seeing highs of 63, 66, 49, 56 and 58! But, more importantly, I'm seeing the lowest low being 33. What this means to me is that it's sugar water time. Now, that doesn't mean you absolutely need to feed your bees. It's warm enough to open that lid and take a look. Don't go digging around a bunch, just pull a few frames to see how the honey stores are looking. If you don't want to open the lid, do the "lift test", (where you pick up the box on one side) and if it feels pretty heavy, the bees may be just fine on honey stores. If it's feeling light, you need to open up the lid and take a look at what you've got! I'll be adding in a quarter sized pollen patty as well on Saturday. I'll check that patty in about 5 days to see how much has been eaten. I like to add pollen in a bit early to give them a start on that bee bread (aka baby food). 
Saturday at 10am, I'll be teaching my "introduction to beekeeping" class at the OP Arboretum. It's a sold out event and that is awesome!! If you are going, please say hi and let me know you've read the blog.