This question is for Beekeeper. I live in Mid-Michigan and the bees in our hive are going out and returning with pollen already?

[Huntandtrap09]

This question is for Beekeeper. I live in Mid-Michigan and the bees in our hive are going out and returning with pollen already? Where is it coming from?

[wallofsam]

I think you answered this before, where at in Mid-Mich. are you at. I'm in the thumb. Also how easy is it to start a hive. I'm going to plant a small orchard later this year and am wondering about cost and maint. issues.

[shane]

Probably greenhouses, although there are some little flowers you probably never noticed that bloom now.

[Beekeeper]

H&T09-

Not being familiar with your area any thing I offer would be a guess but here goes: Wild Mustard (Yellow Rocket), Wild Radish, Wild Turnip, Dandelion, henbit, chickweed, perhaps Maple or Elm if your winter has been mild. I would suggest contacting an experiened local beekeeper to help narrow down your bloom periods. Try these links:

http://www.michiganbees.org/
http://www.sembabees.org/
http://www.michiganbeekeepers.com/main/

Here in Georgia we are having a relatively early spring. Maple and Elm are already bloomed out, Redbud is in full bloom and dogwood is popping. White clover is also begining to bloom. Our cool season weeds like , mustards, turnips, radish, henbit and chickweed have been blooming for a month. I checked some bees in the central part of the state on Sunday and found new white wax and full supers of new spring nectar! The bees were working like crazy and we are already having swarms. We are wet here going into spring for the first time in a while.

Wall,

Getting into beekeeping is very easy. It is moderately expensive up front with the purchase of equipment and supplies along with bees. Starter kits range from $160 to $300 depending on add ons. Add $65 to $75 per package for package bees. Maintenance and upkeep are not too terribly demanding and are seasonal in nature, the spring and summer being the most demanding of course. Parsitic mites and brood diseases can cause problems but are just part of the game now. I would encourage you to give it a try if you have an interest. Look on the links I gave above for a bee club near you and become a member. There is nothing a beginning beekeeper can do better than make friends with established beekeepers in their area. Most are more than willing to take an upstart under their wing and help mentor you along. I would also recommend this book, A Year In The Life Of An Apiary, by Dr. Keith Delaplane. It is in its third printing and very comprehensive and easy to read. Keith actually wrote it in common everyday english anyone can understand, it is also complete with pictures. It takes you from nailing together wooden ware and frames to installing package bees, to management, honey harvesitng, troubleshooting and disease issues. It is available at the following link or from Amazon.com: http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/tv/videocatalog/bees.html

My favorite suppliers are:

Rossman Apiaries: Produce great cypress wooden ware and also sell and ship package bees of the Italian strain. http://www.gabees.com

Brushy Mountain Bee Farm: Make the best bee suits and vails anywhere. They have thier own sewing room at their facility and make all thier bee suits, hats and veils on site, Made in America by Americans displaced from the shutdown of the N.C. textile industry. They also make great wooden ware.
http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/

For more Info check out these sites:

http://www.ent.uga.edu/Bees/
http://www.gabeekeeping.com/
http://www.beesource.com/

[Beekeeper]

P.S. If ordering bee supplies at this time of year expect delays of 3 weeks or more. If you are ordering package bees go ahead and book them quick! Make sure you have your wooden are together and ready to go before you get your package bees. You might also find Nucleus Colonies (mini colonies) available from local beekeepers in your area later in the spring. Nuc's are a great way to get your bees.

[Huntandtrap09]

Thanks for the answer and the tips!

[rudyglove27]

Great answer Beekeeper and A + 1 for you sir!!!