Returning to the apiary this autumn, I was greeted with warm, summery days – perfect for beekeeping. The ivy is now in full bloom, offering both nectar and pollen to the colonies as we approach the first frosts. It’s always fascinating to observe how much the bees have foraged, and this time of year offers a final opportunity to assess their stores before winter sets in.
This year, I’ve made a significant change to how I feed my bees: I’ve switched from commercial sugar syrup to fondant. While syrup was effective, it was often messy, and the bees consumed it too quickly, reducing the available space for the queen to lay eggs. The syrup also encouraged robbing by wasps and other bees, creating unnecessary stress for the colonies. This made it clear that a better solution was needed, especially as the bees should be focusing on storing resources for winter rather than defending the hive from robbers.
Now, I’m using 12.5kg blocks of fondant per hive, which I’ve found to be far more manageable. To gauge how hungry the bees are and assess their foraging success, I start off with a smaller 2.5kg slab of fondant. This gives me a good sense of whether the bees have been able to gather enough from the flowering ivy. If the colonies are still hungry after consuming the initial fondant, I’ll know they need more support.
Once the bees have finished the initial feed, each colony receives a 12.5kg block, cut into two slabs using a bread knife. This should be enough to last them through the remaining weeks of autumn. I’ll return around bonfire night to check on them, removing any remaining supers, unused fondant, and the treatments. Liquid syrup not only caused issues with robbing but also complicated the treatment process. By switching to fondant, I’ve streamlined the whole approach, helping to maintain the health of the colonies in a less invasive way.
Aside from the feeding, I’ve also got some final colonies to move between apiaries. Once this is done, I’ll be finished for the season and can turn my attention to planning for next year. Though it may seem counterintuitive, the beekeeping season really starts in October, as this is when I begin preparing for the year ahead, making sure the colonies are set up for success through the winter months and into spring.
How well the colonies overwinter plays a crucial role in their performance next year. A healthy, well-fed colony with good stores and minimal stress is much more likely to build up quickly in the spring, setting the stage for a productive season. This is why it’s so important to get things right during the autumn – the work we put in now will directly impact how well the bees thrive when the warmer months return.
With this new system in place, the bees will be all set for winter, ready to settle down as the cold weather takes hold. The switch to fondant has made my autumn beekeeping routine much simpler and, more importantly, keeps the hives healthier and more secure as they prepare for the months ahead.
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