Honey guide
The beekeeping year – a professional beekeeper through the seasons
Beekeeping is not a summer hobby but hard work all year round – twelve months without a real break. This is what a professional beekeeper's year looks like.
Spring – coming out of winter
As soon as it gets warmer, the colonies are inspected, expanded and prepared for the nectar flow. Now begins the most intense time of the year.
Summer – harvest and migration
The main nectar flow. Honey is extracted as soon as it is ripe and capped. At the same time, the colonies are moved to the blooming regions – little sleep, lots of work.
Autumn – winter feeding and health
After the harvest, the colonies are fed for the winter and treated against the varroa mite. This is crucial for healthy, strong bees next year.
Winter – equipment, planning and sales
While the bees rest in the winter cluster, the beekeeper's work goes on: repairing equipment, building frames, planning the new season – and above all sales. Now the honey is sold: the beekeeper drives from supermarket to supermarket and presents SUMMSTOFF. Over twelve months there is actually no real rest.
Frequently asked questions
Does a beekeeper also work in winter?
Yes, in fact a lot. Besides equipment maintenance and planning, winter is above all the time for sales: the honey is sold and the beekeeper presents SUMMSTOFF from supermarket to supermarket. Over twelve months there is hardly any real rest.
When is honey harvested?
In summer, as soon as the honey is ripe and capped by the bees.
What is the varroa mite?
A parasite of the honey bee, against which the colonies are treated in autumn – important for bee health.