The Beekeeper’s Calendar in Central Virginia
Ever wonder what all goes into that raw and local honey you enjoy? It’s probably a lot more than you think. With this month-by-month guide you can see exactly what it takes to get that delicious honey from the hives to your home.
Beekeeping in Central Virginia follows a unique rhythm tied closely to the seasons. From winter feeding to spring splits, summer harvests, and fall preparations, every month matters.
Here’s a look at how we manage the bees at Evans Honey Company throughout the year to ensure healthy hives and strong honey harvests.
January – February: Winter Monitoring
Even though the bees may not be flying, we’re still hard at work.
During the coldest months, we monitor hive weight and add sugar bricks to colonies that feel light. Regular checks help ensure our bees have enough food to survive until the first blooms. It’s a quiet time, but a critical one.
March: Spring Stimulus Begins
As maple trees begin to bloom, we start feeding 1:1 sugar syrup to give the colonies a boost. This encourages the queen to ramp up egg-laying so that we have a healthy population leading up to nectar flow. We also introduce pollen patties to support early brood rearing.
The strongest colonies may already be thinking about swarming, so we begin swarm inspections and hive checks. By the end of March, colonies grow rapidly, and we often begin adding additional boxes for expansion.
April: Splits and Honey Flow Prep
Early April is all about splitting colonies to manage population growth and reduce swarming. As April progresses and the nectar flow approaches, we begin adding honey supers.
In Central Virginia, the main honey flow typically kicks off around April 20th, give or take a week. Swarm management is critical this time of year—colonies grow fast and can easily become overcrowded.
May: Expansion and Swarm Prevention
May is a high-growth month. The bees are packing in nectar, and we focus on adding boxes and staying ahead of swarm pressure. Proper management now means more honey later.
June – Early July: Splits and Honey Harvest
In early June, we may make a few more splits for our own colony increase. Then, in the last week of June through early July, we begin harvesting honey—a reward for both the bees and the beekeeper.
Mid–Late July: The Beekeeper’s New Year Begins
In Central Virginia, the beekeeper’s year truly starts in July. The decisions made from this point on directly impact how well the bees overwinter and how much honey we’ll harvest the following spring.
Once the honey is pulled in mid-July, we shift focus to Varroa mite testing. Colonies with high counts are treated using organic methods. Mites remain the #1 killer of honeybees in the U.S., so this step is essential. We also begin feeding 1:1 sugar syrup to help colonies endure the upcoming nectar dearth.
July and August are tough months in Central Virginia—natural nectar and pollen sources are scarce, and beekeeper support is vital.
August: Continued Feeding and Mite Monitoring
August is all about supporting the bees through the summer dearth. We continue feeding 1:1 sugar syrup to make up for the lack of natural nectar and pollen. We also keep a close eye on Varroa mite levels through regular monitoring. Tracking mite counts now helps guide decisions later in the season as we prepare colonies for fall and winter.
September – October: Fall Flow and Winter Prep
As goldenrod and wingstem bloom, bees finally get another natural nectar and pollen source. We support them by feeding 2:1 sugar syrup (two parts sugar to one part water) starting in late September, helping them store up reserves. Our goal is to finish fall feeding by October 15.
We do one final mite check and treat if needed.
November – December: Wrapping Up the Year
If the weather stays warm, we may continue light feeding into November. Then, in December, we perform two rounds of oxalic acid vaporization, an organic treatment that knocks back 99.9% of mites while the colony is broodless. This gives our bees the best shot at starting the new year strong and healthy.
Beekeeping is a year-round commitment, and every month plays a role in the success of the hive.
At Evans Honey Company, we follow this seasonal rhythm closely to give our bees the best care possible and produce the finest honey Central Virginia has to offer.