It's February, but Spring is Coming!

Snow storms, ice storms, and the occasional warm day--behind it all, if you have honeybees that are alive, they are starting to prepare for spring. This month and next are good months to check that your bees are still alive and have plenty of food. If you lost any colonies over the winter, you can start to make plans to replace them (through splitting existing colonies, buying additional bees, or trying to catch spring swarms). In most areas of Pennsylvania, it is still cold enough in February that feeds such as capped honey (if you have that), fondant, or sugar bricks are all good options if they are low on food. Last year's weather (with the very early start to the year and very late end to the warm weather) may have created a situation where you have more of a need to check that your bees have enough food. 

If you are new to beekeeping, this is a great time of year to take beekeeping classes, and to plan for the start of the bee season. Have your supplies and equipment ready, and have your bees (if you're buying bees) reserved! As the weather warms and you have the opportunity to take a hands-on class or something similar with your local bee club, that will be helpful as you start this adventure. Here is a page of beekeeping tips that we try to keep updated. Remember to register your apiary (very low cost) with Pennsylvania (if you're a PA beekeeper).

SPRING HERE AT WALNUT FARM BEES means a number of things:

• We are stocked up on most BEEKEEPING SUPPLIES, so stop by if there is anything you need for the upcoming season. If you're near northeastern PA and need us to bring something for pickup in Nicholson, PA, just let us know. 
• For those who may want to do some April splits of existing colonies, we will be bringing in some MATED QUEENS FOR APRIL AND EARLY MAY. Anything in early to mid April will be pickup only (Carlisle or Nicholson), but late April and on will also have the option for shipping. Watch for updates on our website and Facebook, as the timing is dependent on February and early March weather.
• We still have a few spots for our LATE APRIL BEEKEEPING CLASS at Walnut Farm Bees in Carlisle, PA.
• NUCS AND CARNIOLAN PACKAGES will be ready throughout the month of May (no schedule changes at this point).
• WAX DIPPING of new woodenware here at the Carlisle Farm Shop will begin based on weather (no later than May, sometimes sooner). If you need your woodenware before that, note that we have some ready to go (already dipped) woodenware in stock (while supplies last).
• Our LOCAL PENNSYLVANIA MATED QUEENS are usually available no later than the beginning of June, and sometimes mid-late May, depending on weather. We will have a choice between Carniolan and Pol-line this year once the season is underway. Those can be picked up in Carlisle or Nicholson (ask us for pickup days in Nicholson), or shipped to your location.
• By May we will also have a new option for experienced beekeepers who want to add some new genetics to their bee yards at a lower price (with a little risk). We will have VIRGIN QUEENS (not yet mated) available for pickup at our Carlisle Farm Shop (limited pickup in Nicholson). These are not being shipped in 2025. These will be grafted off VSH Carniolan and Pol-line 2.2 breeder queens.