Newsletter

The golden light of late summer, the scent of beeswax and goldenrod, and the steady rhythm of returning foragers mark a season of beauty, preparation, and tending hives toward winter...

Spring is a dynamic time in a honeybee colony. During swarm season, a reigning queen may leave the hive to virgin daughters to vie for position. Victorious virgins develop a spring “bouquet of queen pheromones” which are dynamic, evolving sensory signals. During mating flights, these attractive virgins are drawn to Drone Congregation Areas (DCAs) by the collective “drone odor bouquet.”

Explore the quiet magic of winter beekeeping, from the deep stillness of the season to the critical changes happening inside the hive. Learn how honey bee colonies shift into brood-rearing, how queen pheromones evolve, and why late winter is a make-or-break time for hive survival. This reflection blends practical guidance with deeper insights into bee biology, sociogenomics, and the unique connection between human and honey bee communities.

As late summer shifts to fall, honey bees adjust, and so should we. Learn how to support your colonies through this seasonal transition—from managing Varroa mites and preparing for winter bees to planting bulbs that promise early forage come spring. Explore beekeeping strategies, nutrition, and hive health, plus a look at how fall flowers and pollinator-friendly gardening can set your bees up for success next season.

By mid-April, overwintered hives are bursting with energy as nectar flows and the nursery expands. From managing swarms and preparing splits to rotating comb and improving notes, spring beekeeping is all about setting the stage for a thriving season. Learn how to support your colonies through this dynamic period with thoughtful practices, timely interventions, and a curious eye on bee behavior and nutrition.

As winter settles in, our bees cluster for warmth and survival. It’s a quiet season filled with reflection, care, and curiosity. From mid-winter feeding to guarding against disease, there’s still much to do. Explore winter beekeeping insights, biosecurity practices, planting tips, and stories from the global bee community—all to deepen your connection and care for the hives you tend.

Beekeeping in summer is all about tuning in. Step away from distractions and dive into the sensory experience of the hive. From swarm prevention to comb rotation and mite monitoring, this is a season for thoughtful observation and responsive care. Discover summer tasks, propolis prep, solar sanitizing, and how to feed wisely—all while staying present, curious, and inspired by your bees.