Honey Farm Life: February Edition
More Rain, more Plans, and a trip to the Beekeeping Show
February has been a proper mixed bag. February has definitely been…damp. There’s been a lot more rain, plenty of muddy boots, and more than a few weather app checks.
But as always, even when the skies are grey, there’s plenty happening behind the scenes.
Rainy Days = Workshop Days
With the rain keeping us out of the apiaries more often than we’d like, we carried on preparing for the season ahead.
More supers, more floors, more lids, the production line has been in full swing. Spring has a habit of arriving all at once, and when it does, there’s no time to be scrambling around looking for spare equipment. Every box built now is one less job when the bees are in full flow.
We also built several new hive stands ready for some additional apiary sites this year. Strong, level stands make all the difference, especially once colonies are heavy with brood and honey.
On the rare dry days, we were out setting these new sites up. There’s something exciting about standing in a fresh spot, imagining it a few months from now with bees flying and forage in full bloom.
The Beekeeping Show
One of the highlights of the month was heading to Telford for the annual beekeeping show. It’s always a great opportunity to talk bees all day without anyone glazing over!
We discussed everything from winter survival rates to spring management plans, picked up a few bits of kit (as you do), and most importantly, made some brilliant new connections. Beekeeping might feel solitary at times, but events like this remind you how strong and supportive the community really is.
Networking done. Inspiration topped up. Roll on spring.
Chilli update
Out in the warmth, the chillies have been quietly getting on with things.
This month we potted them on into larger pots. We always move them up gradually rather than planting them straight into their final containers. It helps the roots establish properly, prevents the compost from staying too wet, and encourages stronger, healthier plants overall.
And they’re looking fantastic. Strong stems, deep green leaves, and plenty of steady growth. They’re shaping up very nicely as we head towards spring!
Hedge Cutting Season: Ending With a Bang
February also marked the end of hedge cutting season, and we finished it quite literally with a bang!
A flat tyre in the final week wasn’t exactly part of the plan. There’s nothing more frustrating than losing time to breakdowns when you’re racing both the weather and the seasonal deadline.
Despite the rain, mud, and minor mechanical drama, we got all our customers sorted in time. Always a good feeling to tick that final hedge off knowing everything’s wrapped up properly for the season.
Looking ahead to March
March is when things start to shift.
The days stretch a little longer. The sun has a bit more warmth in it. The bees begin to loosen their winter cluster and brood rearing properly ramps up. On the first mild, bright days, you’ll spot those cleansing flights, the first proper movement after winter and that sound returns to the apiary.
That gentle hum.
The start of the buzz.
There’s still plenty to do before we’re in full spring mode, but February has been about laying the groundwork. Building. Planning. Preparing.
Now we wait for the weather to turn, and when it does, we’ll be ready.