What to record
Date, plant species, bloom density, pollen color, visible nectar collection, weather, hive weight change, and local mowing or spraying activity.
Nectar Flows
Track bloom timing, honey flows, and forage gaps.
A nectar flow calendar helps connect colony weight gain, weather, bloom observations, and management decisions. Local records become more valuable every year they are repeated.
Late winter to early spring
Watch maples, willows, elms, henbit, deadnettle, and dandelion. Colonies may build brood before reliable nectar is available.
Spring build-up
Fruit bloom, serviceberry, clover, black locust, tulip poplar, and early meadow plants can drive rapid expansion in many regions.
Main summer flow
Basswood, clovers, herbs, brambles, milkweed, and region-specific crops can create strong gains when weather cooperates.
Summer dearth
Hot, dry periods can reduce nectar even when flowers are visible. Hive weight, robbing, and water activity become important signals.
Fall flow
Goldenrod, asters, late sunflowers, ivy in some regions, and fall herbs support winter bee development and final stores.
What to compare
Track flow starts, peak weeks, dearth periods, and fall finish dates across years. Pair observations with USDA zone and ecoregion.