Episode 164 – Fall Flow and Winter Bees: How Nature Prepares the Colony for the Cold 🐝🍂

As the summer bees finish their work and the fall flow begins, the colony shifts gears. In this episode, we explore how the biology of the honey bee changes for winter, why the nutritional profile of fall forage is different from spring, and what that means for feeding decisions. We talk about cluster sizes, race-specific overwintering tendencies, CO₂ and ventilation in winter, and how to decide what is right for your bees rather than following blanket advice from others.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Quick update on yellow jacket and wasp trap testing
• How to estimate honey yield from a full deep
• Why ordering your 2026 bees early can save you money and stress
• The shift from summer bees to winter bees and what changes biologically
• Fall versus spring forage and how nutrient profiles match seasonal needs
• Deciding on cluster size based on bee race, climate, and goals
• CO₂, ventilation, and keeping entrances open in winter
• Why overwinter feeding should fit your bees and your specific conditions

Why Listen to This Episode?

If you want your colonies strong and ready for spring, understanding the biology and seasonal needs of winter bees is key. This episode gives you practical, fact-backed strategies you can adapt to your own bees, location, and goals.

More Info:

🐝 beekeepingfornewbees.com

📘 bestbeekeepinggear.com

🎥 youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees

💬 discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ

☕ buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees

🌱 thehealinghiveproject.org

About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

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