North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Jim Fruth" <jfruth@tds.net>]

Ross,
   Don Yellman's statement, "I have found that the spring flow is over by 
mid-June or earlier, and if there is no honey by then, there is no honey," 
Needs possible correction.  Early June may be the honeyflow time for Don's 
bees but honeyflow times vary according to the area.  Here, in North Central 
Minnesota, the honeyflow occurs July into August.
   This year, a drought year, was tough on honey production because alot of 
flowers didn't produce nectar.  A friend with 20 yards of ten or more hives 
each got honey from only five of his yards; the five were near irrigated hay 
fields.
   My bees produced alot of honey but didn't produce a drop during the 
regular honeyflow time.  Instead, this year's honeyflow (here) happened Late 
August into September.  There was an explosion of aphids in the maple trees 
and my bees collected the honeydew.  The finished honey is as dark as 
buckwheat honey and nearly as bland as alfalfa honey.

Jim Fruth
Brambleberry Farm
Pequot Lakes, MN  56472
For jams, jellies & syrups:
www.bberryfarm.com
(877)265-6856 [Store]
(218)831-7018 [My Cell]