Nectar Flows - What You Need To Know

[@joeyperez8581]

Outstanding, thnx, from a new bee keeper in FL. Old Navy vet .. here.

[@southeasthomestead6093]

This would probably Rate as one of the best videos you have done. I can tell a lot of time and thought went in to this. I now have the Honey bee net web site as a good source of information. working on my 3rd yr of Bee keeping and still learning about nectar flow and what Bees like. IN southeast Ga I have a lot of wild shrubs and Trees and it can be disappointing when you have tons of sweet pepper bush blooming along with Loblolly Bay and the most of the Bees are ignoring the Blooms. I have learned that Bumble bees let no bloom go untouched no matter what is in bloom. I do plant Buck wheat and I have learned just as much or more about Buck wheat in the past 2 yrs than Bees. I have golden rod starting to bloom now but not seeing much Honey Bee action on it. they have been working the centipede Grass for pollen pretty hard. The Nursery down the road has tea Trees and Crape Myrtle along with other plants that are in bloom so that area is a pretty good source. I will be planting more clover soon to help next spring.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I appreciate it, this one took a while. Diversity of habitat and plant life is something that really benefits bees. The more diversity, the more opportunity they have to find something to eat, even if a major flow or two has a down year.

[@myron2386]

You packed so much great info into this video for the newer beeks. You're right life's too short to try to figure everthing out organically. Very well done video! Thank you

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@dandorosheff256]

Hi Nathan, excellent video. I really enjoyed it. The word you needed to describe river growing trees is "riparian" when you were talking about Catalpa Trees.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Dan!

[@gilfisher8457]

this is one of the best informative bee videos I have watched. thank you

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Gil! I put more work into that video than just about any other. I wish more people would see it.

[@nancynolton6079]

So appreciate the time and effort you have put forth in your videos to help so many new to beekeeping (and even some that are not so new) to understand the ebb and flow of nectar. You have a wonderful God given gift of sharing the information in a very clear and understandable manner. Thank you once again!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Nancy, that means a lot.

[@andrewberna963]

Really appreciated the summation of the year in one video

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I appreciate the encouragement Andrew. That one took a while to put together.

[@HardlyFound]

An amazing collection of resources, very well organized, thank you so much for highlighting them. I’ve been looking for a schedule of peak bloom for my region in central Virginia and realizing there was a NASA website with that exact information…wow. Keep doing what you’re doing.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Michael!

[@christianshannon3943]

You should have privet and sourwood trees too . I’m in Prince George, Virginia and for the first time ever we have sourwood trees. The maple trees, black locust put off a heavy flow then the popular, blackberry, privet came in and followed by the sourwood trees. One hive produced 12 gallons of honey .

[@DuckRiverHoney]

There are several different varieties of privet. Bees don’t use privet here, though we have a lot of it.

[@robertdykes668]

Excellent video very informative! I am also in southern middle Tennessee and find your knowledge very helpful. Thank you!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@ZelmaBees]

Very timely; I was scratching my head trying to determine if my area here in Tampa was in a nectar flow. Thanks for posting, Nathan.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Zelma! So what do you have blooming down there right now?

[@ZelmaBees]

@@DuckRiverHoney Currently, Brazilian Pepper and Spanish Needle

[@CMPearrow]

You’ve totally nerded out on bee stuff ! I’m like that !

[@leigh1335]

It is wonderful that you are introducing “education” with books and research based materal that is relevant and timely. Your videos and very well done and professional. I know that this must take alot of your time. Thank you for your research and sharing your knowledge with everyone I only watch your channel and Un of Guelph because I trust the research. Of course Two Bees in a Podcast. But that is driving material. Thanks again.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Leigh!

[@The-Skinn]

Holy smokes! There is so much good information in this video. Thanks buddy!

[@nicksmythe8574]

Such a great video!! As always you really out did yourself 🐝💛 As a young first generation bee keeper, your videos really do help me see the big picture 💪 Thanks so much!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Nick!

[@simplyselfsufficient4627]

One of the best educational videos I've ever watched on bee keeping thanks so much for your hard work on this one

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I appreciate it!

[@rickbegeman4371]

@@DuckRiverHoney I have to ditto, very informative and excellent links

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@TennesseeMountainBees]

Awesome informative video! Very helpful to me as I'm trying to learn the different species providing nectar flows and pollen the bees need. Struggling for a few years now to become sustainable, I wholeheartedly agree how learning this information from others is critical to success. Thank you kindly for sharing your knowledge with us wannabees.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks, I hope it's helpful.

[@russellkoopman3004]

Great stuff Nathan. It is so amazing how many plants I've noticed now that I'm a beek. My main dearth is late August thru September here in central MN. I planted a patch of 3 kinds of asters, Maximillian sunflowers, and goldenrod. The bees favorite is New England Aster. They are all over it here in mid September. The others are used more for the wasps and bumble bees.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Awesome Russell!

[@dcrogers59]

My wife and I went on a hike and the Tulip tree had some low branches. There was about 1/4 tsp of nectar in the cup of the petals. I scooped some out and tasted it. Yummie

[@DuckRiverHoney]

👍

[@dustinpotter8312]

Really liked the honeybeenet thanks!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

👍

[@BrandonSBaker]

I'm the guy that met you at the store the other day. We're in the next county north just across the border so obviously similar flows. The clover has always perplexed me too but I think it is really just at it's prime for a certain window and that is when they go after it....if all the other overlapping flows aren't still holding out. Not true for crimson clover. I did five acres of it this year and they were all over it. Great video thanks for making it!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Brandon! You’re the first person who ever recognized me from my channel. Surprised me.

[@BrandonSBaker]

@@DuckRiverHoney Shirt gave it away

[@randyhahn3346]

VERY APPRECIATIVE OF THIS INFO. I usually use the rule not to listen to people w only a couple years experience. You are the exception! Discovered you in Binnie interview. Keep up the great work!!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I appreciate that Randy. I am very careful to state whether I know something or just suspect it, and I try to give references.

[@randyhahn3346]

@@DuckRiverHoney you mentioned some grad school, what is your background?

[@DuckRiverHoney]

BS and MS in Ag Econ from UT Knoxville, then 8 years in the Ag finance industry. Left that after inventing a product for the outdoor / hunting industry, been in that space since.

[@johnl302]

Wow! Lots of time and research you did. Thanks

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks John, this one definitely took a while. Hope it helps some folks.

[@deeprootstexas]

Very good video. I know it took a lot of effort to get this out. I appreciate it.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@richardsimpson5152]

Thanks for the info, my flow list is so short its's a must to know.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@brianbennett4374]

This was one of them really good videos thanks for All your info and help I really enjoy watching your videos thanks so much for sharing and helping me 😊

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Brian!

[@MosesFamilyApiaries]

Awesome video! A lot of great resources.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@bradwamsley3465]

Great Great Great video, enjoyed every minute of it. I am off to do some research 🧐

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@bobfanning6816]

Outstanding video, thanks!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Bob!

[@sonofthunder.]

great ive been on my own ,having plant images,examples of say asters,goldenrod,is very visually helpful ,things like buttercup,black locust, are only words until i see them,and store it in my brain,....i appreciate your efforts educating

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Mark, it’s fun to learn the plants, but the key is to know which ones to focus on learning.

[@christophersublett1037]

This was an excellent video!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@dustinpotter8312]

White clover in my area (MI) can be seeded (sown) fairly easily in the fall or very early spring without cultivation. Just use a small hand held "seeder" but I find it is easy to over populate. It will balance out but over population can cause stress on the plants and may cause the "heavy flowers but low nectar" scenario you spoke of.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I usually sow it in a mix with a lot of other seeds, or frost seed it as you indicate. Both work pretty well.

[@dustinpotter8312]

@@DuckRiverHoney Have you tried mowing your white clover just a after the flowers start to turn brow? Dandelions will re-flower if mowed shortly after the flower wilts.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Yes, if you keep mowing them they’ll keep blooming. I don’t know what that does to nectar production though? I’m way behind on bushhoging right now.

[@dustinpotter8312]

@@DuckRiverHoney Nectar flow should be present as long as there is unfertilized flowers as it is essentially what attracts the bees but of course that would also be related to soil moisture. Timing a trim job to produce flowers in a dearth period might boost year end production or at least limit dearth honey consumption. I just broadcast seeded an acre of the white clover today. Should see some nectar from it next summer.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Good luck!

[@michaelellison9395]

Greatly appreciate the information Nathan. I’m in SE TN so, although we won’t have exactly the same flows, they’re similar and your breakdown of each season is awesome. Quick question: Have you ever been able to fill a honey super(s) during fall flows in your area? Thanks again!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Yes I did last year with strong colonies. It’s probably not typical though. A lot of TN beekeepers just use the fall flow to get weight on hives before winter. I have 6 hives that have single supers on right now, don’t know if they’ll fill them or not.

[@nancynolton6079]

Another great book is one by Peter Lindtner called Garden Plants for Honey Bees. While it won't be about major nectar flows it does list by month plants (native and cultivated) that one can use to landscape the garden with honey bees in mind. Wonderful photos and each entry indicates whether or not the plant is more of a nectar or pollen source for honey bees.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Awesome Nancy, thanks!

[@Sonshine279]

Really interesting! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Judith!

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

Wow, just wow, really great stuff nathan. I certainly gained quiet a bit from it. Thank you.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Randall, means a lot coming from you. You’ve definitely got more experience, and you’ve got the checkerboarding timing down a lot better than me.

[@randallcarter-carterhillho2277]

@@DuckRiverHoney you have a great future in beekeeping. Just keep learning, trying things and don't give up. I just ordered a book called 50 years among the bees by c c miller. Can't wait to get it he lived 1800's and early 1900's.

[@jordanebling2138]

Just wanted to say thank you for all the great information! I live in region 11 near dale hollow lake...Just starting a small honeybee farm and you have been very helpful with your videos. Great information.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks Jordan! Dale Hollow is a beautiful area.

[@kathyhathaway8823]

That was a good information video . I live in central NC we had a odd golden rod this year . We had golden rod in June an again now in September an yes it is more pollen an a little nectar. The pollen looks like it is coming in by the truck load . We just had around 2.5” of rain with cooler weather starting tomorrow . Looking to see what happens now with bright sun an cooler temperature for the next week.🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️. Thanks for the information

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Early goldenrod vs late maybe? There are actually MANY different species of goldenrod, and some produce a lot more nectar than others.

[@BrownAndDaughters]

Great video, thank you. -Conner

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@neotheone47]

One of your better vids

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks!

[@neotheone47]

@@DuckRiverHoney thank you

[@philipmontgomery5626]

Great

[@sonofthunder.]

we have catalpa,bradford pear, whiteclover,henbit,and many others nw arkansas, i need to keep learning plant /tree species,ive heard jc bees say tulip poplar bloom 10-12 yrs

[@DuckRiverHoney]

There is a lot to learn for sure. I don’t see tulip poplar bloom without some age on them, but that may not hold true everywhere.

[@jeffb5210]

thanks for giving me a few more stairsteps!

[@DuckRiverHoney]

LOL, thanks

[@micksbeesstephens5327]

Very good in depth exposure to quite a lot of material. You are a good teacher and hope to see many more videos. What is your Varroa treatment regimen for fall and winter?? Thanks from West Nashville, Tn

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks! I use OAV, 6 treatments at 4 day intervals in late July to August. Then I monitor my oil tray bottom boards in fall to watch for mite bombs.

[@micksbeesstephens5327]

@@DuckRiverHoney I was curious about your treatments, last 4 years I've been on a late summer Apiguard and mid winter OA vape treatment with very good survival rates, all hives have screen bottoms but I prefer alcohol wash on the large colonies.. Thanks and keep up the good work, Mickey

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I’m using a secondary treatment in early January as well, and monitoring mite drops in fall. Last year I caught a mite bomb. kzbin.info/www/bejne/np-weoGvfax5baM

[@tomahawkmissile241]

Thank you

[@tomahawkmissile241]

And thank you NASA lol

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Welcome

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Someone there is a beekeeper...:)

[@tomahawkmissile241]

Going to be a lot of fun. Lol I just had a 10 paragraph essay but summed it up.

[@tomahawkmissile241]

Quaqntinfe math of experience. ----Beekeeper x Honey bee = +

[@catchemalive]

Do you have much experience with Honey Locust trees? The ones with the huge thorns? I’m just curious about what type of nectar they produce. In my area, the bees hit them very hard while in bloom. I have a 1,000 acre hunting lease in the river bottoms that is absolutely loaded with these trees. I’m trying to decide if I want to move several of my hives up there next year just for the honey flow and see what kind of honey it Produces?? Thanks so much for all the knowledge you always provide

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Honey locust actually doesn’t produce a lot of nectar. We’ve got a lot more honey locust than we do black locust unfortunately.

[@catchemalive]

@@DuckRiverHoney Dang!!! Well thanks for the info. I just knew they really liked the honey locust but if they don’t produce much nectar then I guess it’s not worth the time. I’ve also heard that holly trees are a big producer?

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Bees like Holly in my area, the Chinese Hollie’s bloom a couple weeks before American Holly and they like both.

[@russellkoopman3004]

What puzzles me this year is that we had a bad drought here in MN with just over 2 inches of rain from the first of April until August 4th. It was hot and dry and the dutch clover turned brown and died, basswood didn't go at all and I have no alfalfa or other clovers. Yet my 5 hives produced over 200 lbs of honey each. The only thing that I can guess is honeydew. Usually my car gets sticky with honeydew when I park under the hackberry trees. This year no sticky car. Not sure what else there was other than odd and end weeds in lawns that never got mowed all summer.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

No telling really…a 2 or 3 mile radius covers a lot of ground. Easy to be thankful for that even if you don’t know what they were working.

[@russellkoopman3004]

@@DuckRiverHoney I live in an area where it is row crop for miles and miles with no fence lines or sloughs around. We do have 867 miles of dredge ditch that takes all the water off the tile lines that are everywhere. They drained every lake in the county but one and hobby farmers mow all the road ditches. The only feed they get is in a 1/2 mile radius of this little town.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

The three P’s are bees biggest problems today - Pests & Parasites, Pesticides, and Poor Nutrition. As beekeepers we have to educate people that no blooms means no bees. Turn off the mowers and let it bloom.

[@russellkoopman3004]

@@DuckRiverHoney That was 4 P's but you are right. "The more you know the less you mow" by Fred Dunn.

[@cynthiahoward9495]

Could have been robbing others

[@sonofthunder.]

im not familiar w basswood or sourwood,theres some weed that us full of white flower clusters ,same time as goldenrod ,ive yet to figure it out ,must be wingstem frostweed,aster family, ill have to get a plant identifier

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Seek is a good app that I use a lot. Frost weed is a white aster, tall, and the stalks will have hoarfrost on them in early winter. Sourwood and basswood make excellent honey. Basswood bark was used by natives to make rope.

[@CMPearrow]

I have several catalpa trees and bees cover them

[@timothymeuleners6589]

👍

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Thanks

[@dustinpotter8312]

Catalpa from what I have heard is a pseudo nectar flower. (I probably do not have the right term for it) But the nectar is not really in the flower but around it and is better for ants than honey bees even though the honey bees like it. Maybe ;you could find something on that in ;your library.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

CATALPA (Catalpa speciosa). - A large tree growing in Tennessee, Missouri, and Arkansas, and extensively planted for timber in the North. The clustered bell-shaped flowers are nearly white, and so large that honeybees can easily reach the nectar, which can be seen at the bottom of the flower. Reported to be a good honey plant in localities. (Lovell, 1926) 🙂

[@dustinpotter8312]

@@DuckRiverHoney The neighbor has three of them one is very large and the others much smaller but all are flowering age.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Neat trees, the lumber is lightweight and good for carving, but also very rot resistant.

[@fabianweber619]

Catalpa is not really worked in Colorado in my observation. Like your BlackBerry it does signal the hardwood is about to start for us. Great video!

[@fabianweber619]

Basswood not hardwood

[@MatWalter-q3h]

OMG are those 'books' ? Are those legal? Might want to blur out your face. Thanks for sharing. Very interesting. South BC. Canada

[@tisombivens4301]

I was doing an inspection today due to a fermented like smell coming from my hive. My queen fell off the frame i was holdin onto the bottom board. She seemed to get around fine. Will she be able to back to frames on her own? Also brother your research and passion make these videos easy to watch.

[@DuckRiverHoney]

Queens move around fine if they’re healthy. Thanks!

[@tisombivens4301]

@@DuckRiverHoney Thank you! Man I love this new hobby. Your an inspiration! Will you be at Nashvilles hone festival?

[@DuckRiverHoney]

We didn’t make it to the honey festival but I plan to go to the hive life conference in January

[@tisombivens4301]

Wheres that held?

[@DuckRiverHoney]

It’ll be up in the pigeon forge area this year.

[@projetchalet]

nothing good in the boreal forest on the NASA page... :S

[@DuckRiverHoney]

I think the far north would be most similar to Alaska. I was in Alaska a month ago and the fireweed was blooming everywhere.

[@projetchalet]

@@DuckRiverHoney We do have lot of fireweeds. I was curious to know what bloom first. Lot of tussilage (i'm french and don't know the english)... I know nothing about the trees and taught maybe that maples, spruce, pine and fir would be good - but don't know the timing. LOOOTTT of dandelion on the spring too - but just a little later. I might plant something for the early spring to help.

[@philipmontgomery5626]

You forgot Ohio.

[@philipmontgomery5626]

Looks odd with black mask.

[@HardlyFound]

An amazing collection of resources, very well organized, thank you so much for highlighting them. I’ve been looking for a schedule of peak bloom for my region in central Virginia and realizing there was a NASA website with that exact information…wow. Keep doing what you’re doing.