Monday, September 20th, 7pm  ~  via ZOOM

Guest Speaker: 
Mary Cahill-Roberts
"Preparing for Honey Shows"

Starting in 2010, our club vice president, Mary Cahill-Roberts began honing her craft by entering honey shows—over the course of her career winning no less than 47 awards (including 16 blue ribbons) in local, state and regional competitions. Along the way she became a Georgia Master Beekeeper and a Sr Welsh Honey Judge. 

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Welsh Honey Show judges are renowned for their training and exacting standards. Mary will share her knowledge on how to prepare entries for honey shows, and what judges look for in winning entries. 

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If you would like to attend this meeting, please drop us an email to receive the ZOOM link.

Things to do in September:

Check for varroa mites. Bee populations are on the decline but varroa populations  are increasing exponentially. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies are the first line of defense in keeping mites at bay. Hear the latest in a 3-part video series on varroa mite treatment research from Bob Binnie, Jennifer Berry and Lewis Bartlett here. 

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) and late boneset (Eupatorium serotinum) are blooming everywhere on roadsides and in disturbed areas. What's blooming in your neighborhood?

Check how much honey your bees have stored. If your hives do not have enough stored away, start feeding them 2:1 sugar water (2 parts sugar to 1 part water, by weight). Ideally 40 lbs (roughly one full super) will get your colony through  winter.

 

Try Beneficial Insects around your hives to mitigate Small Hive Beetles

Phillip Tedders of Southeastern Insectaries states that beneficial Nematodes are an environmentally friendly, biological alternative to the use of toxic chemical pesticides as a means to control pests. His website is loaded with info explains the distinctions between nematodes and which ones specifically target Small Hive Beetles. Phillip will be one of our Guest Speakers we resume our meetings.

You can order packages of Nematodes by calling Southeastern Insectaries at 478-988-9412 or emailing: southeasterninsectaries@gmail.com

Flowering Trees, Shrubs, Vines and Forbs for Honeybees & Pollinators

It's not too late to get flowering plants in the ground to help boost food sources for pollinators. Jim and Debi, at Nearly Native Nursery, provide reliable information and year-round support to those who aim to plant native and nearly native species. Their selection of plants is extensive and they will happily take time to help you determine the best plants for your needs and specific growing conditions. Jim and Debi have attended our meetings and brought a range of plants with them that they sale to our members at a discounted rate.

You can order any of there plants for pick-up or to have shipped to you by calling 770-460-6184 or by filling out their online form.