Dear Beekeepers,

Read on for quick advice on what to do this weekend! Preventing swarms starts now! If you have a booming hive, sign up for my Swarm Prevention class, starting Saturday.

Message from your Bees: "We don't want our house toppling. Put a ratchet strap on!"
With the high winds/storm, if you haven't put a ratchet strap on your hive yet, add that to your list for this weekend. There is more rain expected next week, and the forecast predicts higher chances of above normal rain for February. Here is my November advice about Storm Preparation.

HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HIVE FROM SWARMING - Class starts Saturday! ​
​2-part class: Saturdays, Feb. 8th & 15th, 9:30-11am, $45​
The Bay Area has a very long swarm season (March - June). Swarm prevention is the most important thing (next to mite management) that a Bay Area beekeeper needs to be skilled at. It'll keep your neighbors happy too! This class is live on Zoom. The recordings are sent afterwards, so you can re-watch.
​Click here for full description & to register!​

ADD A BOX - THIS WEEKEND!​
Peek at your top box this weekend. If it's 50% or more full of bees, then add a box on top. You want to add a box with drawn out comb, as they won't likely draw out wax to at least March.

What if I added a box during the 65 degree, sunny weather in January?​
The bees likely put honey in that box, so you definitely want to plan on harvesting honey in February, so your hive doesn't get super tall and heavy. Problem is we may not be able to inspect for awhile.

Can I inspect this weekend?​
By inspecting I mean taking out frames. I don't recommend inspecting unless it is 60 degrees and full sun is on the hive. Right now in Berkeley the highs are 58 degrees for this weekend, so it may get to 60 degrees if you are in a hotter microclimate and/or the weather is wrong (wouldn't be the first time!). If it does get to 60 degrees, do a short inspection. Remember it will take a long time to get frames loose, so expect to go slowly. Focus on one goal, e.g. do sugar roll test for mites or take out some honey.

February Chapter of my Online Book​
Do read the February Chapter of My Guide to Bay Area Backyard Beekeeping. It walks you through what to inspect for in February, plus how the weather affects the bees, why to be cautious, and more!
You can buy my book here. For 20% off, use coupon code: SPRING20
(If you've bought my book in the past, but forgot how to login in, send me an email & we'll figure it out!)

MORE CLASSES & BEE HELP!

• INTRO TO BACKYARD BEEKEEPING CLASS - Online Live & Includes Recordings​
  ​2-Part Zoom Class: Saturdays, March 1st & 8th, 9:30am-11am, $45​
  Pass on to new beekeepers! This class covers everything you need to know to prepare for getting bees and becoming a beekeeper!
  ​Click here for the full details & to register!​
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• HOW TO SPLIT YOUR HIVE CLASS - Live on Zoom plus in-person session​
  ​2-part class: Sundays, March 9th & 16th, 6-8pm, $60
  ​Splitting your hive is a key part to swarm prevention in the long Bay Area swarm season. We will focus on two splits that are easy for backyard beekeepers: a small nuc and a walk-away split. There is a special in-person session where we make a nuc, tentatively scheduled for Friday, March 28th, 2-4pm. This will be an additional $30 and can be hosted at one of your hives. The recordings are sent afterwards, so you can re-watch.
  ​Click here to register!​
  ​
• JOIN MY BEE CIRCLE​
  ​My Bee Circle includes a monthly bee clinic on Zoom where you can ask questions about your hive(s)! The February circle will be February , 6-7:30pm. I talk about a timely topic, & then answer questions about your hives. If you can't make it live, you can send questions ahead of time and listen to the recording. Membership also includes a great library of short how-to beekeeping videos. It's $25 monthly to join (unsubscribe anytime). Click here to join!​
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Let me know if you have any questions or topics you'd like me to cover. I plan on doing more free short workshops this year!

May you and your bees thrive! -Jennifer

Jennifer Radtke, Learn from the Bees​
​Mentorships, Education, & Advice for Urban Beekeeping in the Unique SF Bay Area Climate

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