Spring Nectar Flow

In Northeast Ohio there are two prominent “flows” that honey bees, and other pollinators, take advantage of for their food stores. A flow just means that there is an abundance of nectar producing flowers blooming at the same time. In Ohio, this includes tree flowers, clover and dandelions in the spring. These flows happen both in spring and then again in the fall. Fall plants include asters, knotweed, and goldenrod. These nectar producing plants highlight the importance of planting and maintaining tress plus allowing for natural areas to develop. Although lush green yards have curb appeal, they add very little value to pollinators and require massive upkeep due to watering requirements, chemical treatments, and mowing.

During a flow, hives start packing on weight due to the nectar they collect. A single hive box can contain up to 80 lbs of nectar and honey! This explains the colloquialism that there are only two types of beekeepers, those with bad backs or those who will have bad backs! Honey bees, like humans when food is plentiful, are generally in a great mood during the spring flow. Nectar is abundant and the bees are no longer cooped up after the winter. The bees are making thousands of collective trips back and forth each day bringing in nectar to turn into honey.

As nectar is collected, the bees blend in an enzyme that breaks down the sugars in the nectar to those found in honey. They store this unripe honey in cells, typically above the brood nest. The honey is unripe because it contains too much moisture. However, over the next days and weeks the bees will dry out the honey through a variety of means. Good ventilation is key! Once dry the bees cap the honey cell with wax to preserve it. A healthy colony and good spring flow can yield well over 50 pounds a hive!