Importance of the Nectar Flow in Beekeeping

Reader Contribution by Betty Taylor
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It’s late April in Middle Tennessee and our nectar flow is on! In my first year of beekeeping, I made a lot of mistakes because I didn’t understand what the nectar flow was or its importance. Since then, I’ve learned to watch the bees, learn from them, and work with them as the season progresses.

What Is the Nectar Flow?

The nectar flow is the time of year when the native vegetation is in full bloom. Here that starts about mid-April, when the trees begin to flower, and continues through May with blooming shrubs like blackberries, honeysuckle and, yes, even multiflora rose and privet, as well as a multitude of wildflowers. Then at the end of June, the summer dearth begins with little blooming other than clover. In the fall, we usually have another, smaller bloom of asters, goldenrod, and other wildflowers. In very dry years, this fall bloom can be pretty minimal.

Why Is the Nectar Flow So Important?

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