​It was a great day at the farm for our 2024 Bee Package Pickup. Here is a quick recap of tips for installing your new bees. 

When to install
If possible, install package bees in the late afternoon or early evening when there is less chance of flight. 

• Prepare the package
  Lightly mist the bees with sugar water.
• Prepare the hive
  Remove the feed can and queen cage, and set the cage aside in a safe place. 
• Install the package
  Gently pull the queen cage out of the package and set it in between the tops of two frames, angle the hole towards the top. Next, turn the  bee package upside down and shake it to help the bees fall into the hive. You may need to strike the side of the package to help move the bees into the hive. Don't worry if a few bees are still in the package box. Place the package boxes on top of the bee hive or near the hive entrance so straggler bees will find their way out of the package box and into the hive.
• Inspect the colony
  Five days after installing the package, inspect that the queen is alive and has been released. Inspect again after another five days to verify that the queen has begun laying eggs. Eggs appear as small grains of rice standing up in the center of cells. If necessary, add sugar syrup again. 

​Spring is here and we thought it would be the perfect time to share an easy Spring inspired recipe, and a great way for you to showcase some of the honey from your apiary! This Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette would be a perfect side dish or appetizer for an Easter luncheon. 
​
​Salad Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked quinoa
– 2–3 cups frozen peas
– 1/2 cup feta cheese
– 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/2 cup freshly chopped basil and cilantro
– 1/2 cup almonds, pulsed in a food processor until crushed

Dressing Ingredients:
– 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (1–2 large juicy lemons)
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– 3 tablespoons honey
​
How to Make It:   Cook the quinoa according to package directions. I make this the night before and let it chill in the fridge so it separates better for the salad.
Bring a pot of water to boil and then turn off the heat. Add the peas and cover until bright green. I do this instead of regular boiling so they don’t get wrinkly! Toss the quinoa with the peas, feta, bacon, herbs, and almonds.
Puree all the dressing ingredients in the food processor. Toss the dressing with the salad ingredients. Season generously with salt and pepper. Serve tossed with fresh baby spinach, on crackers, or just by itself!
​See the full recipe at pinchofyum.com

     
​      IN THE HIVE:
      - The queen should be laying heavily now.
      - Brood is being reared if pollen is available.
      - Adult population is lowered due to winter losses.
​      -A limited number of foraging flights might occur.
      INSPECTION & NUTRITION:
      - This month, the hive should have 3 or 4 combs full of  honey. Feed the colony if the stores are empty, or if bees are visible at the top of the hive through the inner cover. 
- Feed with dry sugar, candy board or capped honey combs. 
- Feed with pollen supplement patties to stimulate egg laying.
- Continue feeding until pollen or nectar are available and bees are able to forage outside.
EQUIPMENT & PEST MANAGEMENT:
- Mite population will start to rise in the colony, no treatment yet in the colder northern areas. 
- Equipment should be ready to go now. 
BEE YARD & ENVIRONMENT:
-Make sure the hive cover is secure. 
- Don't be alarmed if you see dead bees around the outside of the hive, the bees are doing some spring cleaning. 
BLOOMING NOW:
-Pussy Willow
- Crocus
- Witch Hazel
- Silver Maple
- Dandelion

Start a new year with the White Lick Beekeepers!
Looking for a rewarding hobby that connects you with nature and your community? This is the perfect time to join our friendly beekeeping club! Whether you're a seasoned gardener seeking pollination superpowers, a hobbyist buzzing with curiosity, or just starting your honeybee journey, we've got something for you.
Here's why you'll love the White Lick Beekeepers:

• Monthly meetings packed with fascinating topics, lively discussions, and guest speakers who know their stuff.
• A hive of activity! We're a friendly bunch who gets involved in the community throughout the year. You'll even find us buzzing around our booths at the Indiana State Fair with the "The Beekeepers of Indiana" crew from TBoI.
• Hands on opportunities throughout the year to work at the club apiary.
• No matter your experience level, you'll find support and resources to help your beekeeping dreams take flight.

Come see what we're all about! We'd love to welcome you to our next meeting. Just check out our Upcoming Events page for all the details. You'll find a warm welcome and a world of bee-utiful possibilities waiting for you.