A YEAR IN THE APIARY – MARCH
March, marking the onset of spring, is a vital time in the apiary, filled with activities that set the stage for the upcoming beekeeping season. As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, bees ramp up their activities, making it a critical period for beekeepers to ensure their colonies are healthy and well-prepared. Learn how seasonal hive management supports your spring success.
Checking Food Stores: With the increase in bee activity, their food consumption also goes up. It's essential to heft the hive to check the food stores, ensuring there's at least 5kg of honey reserves. If pollen is scarce, supplementing with pollen patties can be beneficial. Additionally, due to the unpredictable nature of March weather, providing fondant as a food source can help safeguard against sudden temperature drops. March is a critical month for starvation risks in colonies. Regularly weighing hives and feeding bees if necessary is essential. More feeding tips in our hive management guide.
Brood Inspection: When temperatures consistently exceed 12°C, a quick hive inspection is crucial. This involves checking for the queen’s presence and her laying pattern, ensuring she has enough space, and confirming there are adequate food stores. A healthy brood pattern is typically indicated by six or more sides of brood. Watch for irregularities in brood, which may suggest brood diseases.
Apiary and Equipment Maintenance: As the weather warms, remove any mouse guards and clean debris from dead colonies. Ensure bees have access to clean water and are close to good foraging sources. If dandelions are flowering, consider adding a super. March is also ideal for cleaning and sterilizing beekeeping equipment, including queen excluders, frames, supers, and brood boxes. Repair or replace any damaged items. Scorching the inside of supers and treating timber with bee-safe paint or preservative will help maintain hive hygiene. Visit our equipment care page for more tips.
Planning for the Upcoming Season and Maintain Records: Review last year’s hive records to guide adjustments or expansion. If needed, now is the time to order new equipment or bees. Starting this season’s hive record cards and continuing to maintain detailed notes is essential for success throughout the year. Learn how good preparation sets new and experienced beekeepers up for success.
Attend Educational Events: Take the opportunity to participate in beekeeping seminars, online webinars, or local association meetings to stay up to date on modern techniques and best practices. You’ll find more resources on our beginner beekeeping page.
Summary: March marks the beginning of spring and is an exciting time in the apiary. As bees become more active, this is a critical time to monitor colony health, food levels, and hive readiness. By preparing now, you can set your colonies up for a productive and thriving season ahead. Want to support your local pollinators too? Visit our bee-friendly gardening guide.