About this episode
As the summer bees finish their work and the fall flow begins, the colony shifts gears. In this episode, we explore how the biology of the honey bee changes for winter, why the nutritional profile of fall forage is different from spring, and what that means for feeding decisions. We talk about cluster sizes, race-specific overwintering tendencies, CO₂ and ventilation in winter, and how to decide what is right for your bees rather than following blanket advice from others.What’s Inside This Episode:Quick update on yellow jacket and wasp trap testingHow to estimate honey yield from a full deepWhy ordering your 2026 bees early can save you money and stressThe shift from summer bees to winter bees and what changes biologicallyFall versus spring forage and how nutrient profiles match seasonal needsDeciding on cluster size based on bee race, climate, and goalsCO₂, ventilation, and keeping entrances open in winterWhy overwinter feeding should fit your bees and your specific conditionsWhy Listen to This Episode?If you want your colonies strong and ready for spring, understanding the biology and seasonal needs of winter bees is key. This episode gives you practical, fact-backed strategies you can adapt to your own bees, location, and goals.More Info:🐝 beekeepingfornewbees.com📘 bestbeekeepinggear.com🎥 youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees💬 discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ☕ buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees🌱 thehealinghiveproject.orgAbout the Podcast:Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 2% podcast with over 500,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy