I weighed my two hives today and found that they had increased by 6 and 10 kg respectively over the last fortnight. The Varroa boards showed lots of ivy pollen and even the occasional ivy anther the bees have brought back. That and the smell suggest a very strong ivy flow this year. Most years I have seen a small increase in weight during ivy time but this year is enormous by comparison. Lots of bees, abundant ivy nearby and mild sunny weather.
The question is do they use up the honey "last in first out" or will I be stuck with loads frames of set ivy honey come spring? In previous years I have only found small patches of ivy honey and the bees have removed it from the brood area in spring, leaving piles of crystalllised honey on the Varroa board.
The question is do they use up the honey "last in first out" or will I be stuck with loads frames of set ivy honey come spring? In previous years I have only found small patches of ivy honey and the bees have removed it from the brood area in spring, leaving piles of crystalllised honey on the Varroa board.