The Best Bee Feed for Each Season - a UK Beekeeping Guide
Beekeeping is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor, and ensuring that your bees have the right nutrition throughout the year is essential for hive health and honey production.
In the UK, seasonal variations significantly impact nectar flow, making supplementary bee feed a necessity at different times of the year. In this guide, we’ll explore the best bee feed options for each season and provide expert insights to keep your colonies thriving.
Why Seasonal Bee Feeding Matters
Bees rely on natural nectar and pollen for their nutrition, but environmental factors such as climate change, habitat loss, and unpredictable weather patterns have made it increasingly difficult for bees to find food all year round. Feeding bees the right supplement at the right time can:
Prevent starvation during nectar shortages
Support colony expansion in spring
Sustain bee health during winter dormancy
Enhance honey production during peak foraging months
Let’s break down the best feeding strategies for each season.
Springtime
Spring is the time when bees emerge from their winter clusters and begin foraging for nectar. However, early spring can still bring cold snaps, and natural food sources may be scarce. This is when light sugar syrups and invert sugar syrups become essential.
Best Feed Options for Spring
Invertbee Syrup – A pre-digested sugar syrup that mimics natural nectar, helping bees regain energy and build up colony numbers.
Light Sugar Syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water) – Encourages brood rearing and helps colonies expand.
Fondabee Candy (for late winter/early spring) – Provides essential carbohydrates if bees have depleted their winter stores.
Feeding Tips
Start feeding in early March (weather permitting) to stimulate the colony’s growth.
Check hive stores regularly to prevent starvation.
Avoid overfeeding, as excessive syrup can lead to congestion in the brood nest.
Summertime
Summer is usually the peak nectar flow period, but there can be gaps, especially during prolonged dry spells or unseasonably cold weather. When nectar is scarce, strategic feeding can prevent colony stress and maintain honey production.
Best Feed Options for Summer
Invertbee Syrup (if nectar flow is low) – Provides a balanced sugar profile similar to natural nectar.
Protein Supplements (Pollen Patties or Pollen Substitute) – Supports brood development when pollen is scarce.
Feeding Tips
Monitor nectar flow and only feed if necessary to avoid honey dilution.
Place feed away from the brood nest to prevent syrup storage in honey supers.
Ensure a fresh water supply is available for the bees.
Autumn
Autumn is the time to build up strong colonies that can withstand the harsh UK winter. Bees need to store enough food to sustain themselves through months of cold weather when foraging is impossible.
Best Feed Options for Autumn
Invertbee Syrup (Heavy Syrup 2:1 ratio of sugar to water) – Encourages bees to store food quickly in preparation for winter.
Fondabee Candy – Helps bees top up their stores as temperatures drop.
Organic Fondabee – A natural alternative that ensures high-quality feed without artificial additives.
Feeding Tips
Start feeding in late August or early September to allow bees time to store enough reserves.
Provide syrup in a feeder placed inside the hive to prevent robbing.
Ensure the colony is strong enough to overwinter successfully.
Winter
Winter feeding is crucial for colony survival, as bees rely on their stored food to get through the cold months. When stores run low, emergency feeding is required to prevent starvation.
Best Feed Options for Winter
Fondabee Candy or Fondant – A solid carbohydrate source placed directly above the cluster to provide easy access.
Organic Fondabee – Provides essential sugars without unnecessary additives, ensuring the health of overwintering bees.
Feeding Tips
Check hive stores periodically by gently lifting the hive to gauge its weight.
Avoid liquid feed, as it can ferment or freeze in cold temperatures.
Place fondant directly above the cluster for easy access.
Reduce hive openings to retain warmth and prevent drafts.
Final Thoughts
Proper feeding throughout the year ensures that your bees remain strong, productive, and resilient against seasonal challenges. Whether you’re supplementing during nectar shortages or preparing for winter, choosing the right bee feed is essential for hive health and successful beekeeping.
At Wyefield Apiaries, we provide high-quality bee feed products, including Fondabee, Invertbee Syrup, and Organic Fondabee, to support UK beekeepers in every season. Explore our range of feeds today and give your bees the nutrition they need to thrive.
