As autumn settles in and the days grow shorter, our focus at Cottage Orchard shifts from harvesting and selling honey to caring for our bees as they prepare for the winter months ahead. This season is critical for ensuring the health and vitality of our colonies, which have worked hard all year to pollinate our crops and produce the golden honey we cherish. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we feed, treat, and protect our bees during this essential time.
Why Winter Prep is Important for Bees
In the wild, honeybees are remarkably self-sufficient. They store enough honey to survive winter, cluster together for warmth, and go into a low-energy state to conserve resources. However, as beekeepers, we take extra precautions to ensure that our bees remain healthy and protected throughout the winter.
The winter months can be a challenging period for bees, as their natural food sources, such as nectar and pollen, are no longer available. During this time, bees rely heavily on the honey they’ve stored. But in some cases, especially in colder or wetter years, the honey reserves may not be enough to sustain the colony until spring. That’s why winter preparation is a key part of our beekeeping process.
Feeding the Bees
To support our bees, we begin by supplementing their food stores with sugar syrup or fondant. This helps provide the necessary carbohydrates to keep the bees active and nourished throughout the winter. We carefully monitor their consumption, ensuring they have enough to last through the colder months.
Feeding bees isn’t just about keeping them alive; it’s about keeping them healthy. Without enough food, the colony’s strength can weaken, making it more susceptible to diseases. By ensuring our bees have enough resources, we help them maintain their strength so that, come spring, they’re ready to get back to work pollinating our orchard and producing honey.
Treating for Diseases
Another important step in preparing for winter is treating the bees for any potential diseases or pests. One of the most common threats to honeybee colonies is the Varroa mite, a parasite that weakens bees and spreads diseases. At Cottage Orchard, we use gentle, effective treatments to control the Varroa population and prevent it from harming the colony.
By managing these risks now, we ensure that our bees are as healthy as possible when they enter the winter months. This also gives the colony a better chance of thriving when the spring flowers begin to bloom.
Closing the Hives
As temperatures drop, bees cluster together inside the hive to keep warm. At this stage, we begin closing up the hives, ensuring they are properly insulated and protected from the elements. We check that each hive is dry, well-ventilated, and free from drafts to keep the bees comfortable.
We also make sure the entrances are small enough to prevent pests like mice from getting inside while still allowing enough airflow for the bees. A well-prepared hive is crucial to helping the bees survive the winter.
Looking Ahead
Though our bees will rest over winter, their work isn’t done. By caring for them now, we’re laying the foundation for a strong and productive year ahead. As spring arrives, our healthy, well-fed colonies will emerge ready to pollinate our heritage fruit trees and produce the fresh honey we look forward to each year.
At Cottage Orchard, we’re passionate about nurturing our bees and giving them the best care possible. Their health directly impacts the quality of the honey and bee products we produce. So, as we prepare the bees for winter, we’re also ensuring that next season’s harvest will be just as exceptional.
Thank you for supporting us on this journey, and stay tuned for more updates from the orchard. If you have any questions about our beekeeping practices or want to learn more, feel free to reach out or visit us in the spring when the bees are buzzing again!
Final Thoughts
The care we give our bees through the winter months ensures they remain healthy and resilient, ready for the year ahead. From feeding and treating to closing up the hives, every step of our process is done with their wellbeing in mind. We may be closing the hives for winter, but the hard work continues behind the scenes.
Stay connected with us as we share more about our bees and preparations for next year’s honey harvest. If you haven’t had the chance to try our honey, make sure to grab some next season—it’s truly a taste of nature’s best!
