The Beekeeping Year

January: Sees the colony tightly gathered in its winter cluster, bees packed closely around their queen to conserve warmth. The beekeeper’s involvement is limited yet essential—clearing hive entrances after snowfalls to maintain airflow and, at times, listening for the steady hum that signals a healthy cluster. It’s also a season for mending equipment and stocking up on supplies in preparation for the months ahead.

February: As daylight slowly increases, queens resume egg-laying at a modest pace. During short periods of warmer weather, beekeepers should assess food reserves, since this is when colonies are most vulnerable to starvation. Supplemental feeding with candy boards or fondant may be required. On gentler days, early blooms such as snowdrops and crocuses provide much-needed forage.

March: March signals the real start of the beekeeping season. Once temperatures rise to around 12°C , early spring inspections can begin. Beekeepers evaluate colony strength, look for signs of disease, and confirm that the queen is laying effectively. As brood rearing increases, early pollen from maple and willow becomes an essential resource.

April: Colony expansion speeds up rapidly. Beekeepers need to manage hive space closely, adding supers when necessary to reduce the risk of swarming. This period is ideal for applying swarm prevention techniques and, if desired, creating splits or nucleus colonies. Dandelions and blossoming fruit trees supply plentiful nectar and pollen.

May:
May is typically the most demanding month in the apiary. Colonies are at their strongest, making swarm prevention a top priority. Weekly inspections are vital to spot queen cells and confirm there is sufficient space. The main nectar flow often begins now, and beekeepers ready their equipment for the honey harvest.

June:
With long daylight hours and plentiful forage, colonies remain highly active. Beekeepers usually take their first honey harvest, drawn from spring blossoms and fruit trees, while extraction equipment sees heavy use. Queens from earlier splits start laying, increasing colony numbers. As temperatures climb, closer attention is paid to potential pest issues.

July:
In many regions, the principal honey flow continues as lime trees and brambles bloom. Supers are added and honey is harvested regularly. Monitoring for varroa mites becomes increasingly important as colonies reach peak population. In some areas, a nectar shortage may occur, requiring careful management to prevent robbing.

August:
Late summer shifts the beekeeper’s focus toward readiness for winter. Honey harvesting wraps up in most locations, and varroa assessments and treatments begin. Queens naturally slow their egg laying, leading to smaller colony sizes. If forage becomes scarce, supplemental feeding may be needed.

September:
September is a key period for winter preparation. Colonies are fed thick sugar syrup to build adequate winter stores. Final disease treatments are carried out, and entrance reducers are fitted to deter robbing. As daylight shortens, queens further reduce egg laying. Equipment is cleaned and stored as activity in the apiary declines.

October:
By October, most hands-on beekeeping tasks are finished. Final feeding is completed, mouse guards are installed, and ventilation is checked. In colder areas, hives may be wrapped for insulation. A last inspection ensures colonies have enough stores and healthy populations to face winter.

November:
As temperatures fall, bees form tight winter clusters. Beekeepers focus on making sure hives are secure, dry, and well ventilated. This quieter time is used for cleaning and storing equipment, rendering wax, planning ahead, and attending meetings or courses as evenings grow longer.

December:
The annual cycle comes full circle as colonies settle into winter dormancy. Aside from occasional checks for storm damage, bees are left undisturbed. The slower months provide opportunities for learning, building or repairing equipment, and exchanging ideas with fellow beekeepers while anticipating the return of spring.