RE: HELP NEEDED from Beekeepers : where should I put the new bees?
It is okay to put them under a few big trees to give them partial shade, but don't keep them in a spot that is surrounded with a lot of brush. It reduces the airflow around the hive and makes it harder for them to control the humidity. In the summer they need to move a lot of air in and out of the hive to cure the honey and in the winter they need the ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. I like a spot with southeast exposure and a little afternoon shade. Beekeepers who have hive beetle problems often have better luck with full sun locations.
You can put them near the poly tunnel, just leave about 3 m of clear space in front of the hive for take-off and landing. Be sure to make the hive stand level from side to side and pitched forward just a bit.
Thanks for this most useful information @professorbromide. I'll make sure the area around the hive is kept clear.
Yeah that was another counter I forgot about. One issue we did have was that nicely nestled hives enjoyed the protection from the sun and rain, but in long cold drizzly months the 'protection' became a hazard since the moisture buildup made it a cold an uncomfortable environment for them. @professorbromide sounds like he knows the deal better than I, but I had observed the same. So listen to him and don't make the same mistakes we did here! Wishing you full honey pots and happy bees @pennsif ! Still working on the bee/fungi article. should be soon. Cheers @ecoknowme
Thank you.