Northern United States
1. Hive Condition: In the northern region, winter tends to be longer, and hives usually recover more slowly in the spring. Add a super when the hive becomes strong in the spring and the bees, honey, and pollen storage are close to capacity.
2. Nectar Flow: Major nectar flows typically occur in the spring and summer in the northern region. You should monitor hive activity and space usage to add a super at the right time.
3. Seasonal Differences: Depending on the specific area, the timing of nectar flows may vary. In New England, major nectar flows usually occur in June or July; in the Midwest, they may happen in May or June.
Southern United States
1. Hive Condition: In the southern region, winter is shorter and milder, allowing hives to recover quickly in the early spring. Add a super when storage space in the hive is close to capacity.
2. Nectar Flow: Nectar flows typically start earlier in the south, usually from early spring and possibly lasting until summer. Monitor hive activity and nectar flow to add a super just before or as it begins.
3. Seasonal Differences: Nectar flow timing may vary across different states in the southern region. For example, major nectar flows in Florida might occur in January or February, while in Texas, they might be in March or April.
In both the northern and southern parts of the United States, the best time to add a super depends on the strength of the hive and the timing of nectar flows. Pay close attention to hive activity and storage space to ensure you add a super when the hive needs extra room.