How to Feed Bees

Feed your bees regularly in early spring before nectar flows and again in the fall. Feeding bees is especially important during a drought.

Things You'll Need

  • Corn Syrup
  • Cream Of Tartar
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Water
  • Candy Thermometer
  • Cooking Pots
  • Molds Or Candy Dishes
  • Platters
  • Quart Jars
  • Stirring Spoons
  • Quart jars
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Instructions

  1. Honey

    • 1

      Gather honey that is unfit to market, or use excess honey.

    • 2

      Place honey in entrance feeder and at the hive.

    Sugar Water

    • 3

      Heat 1 qt. non-fluoridated water just to the point where it is warm enough to dissolve sugar.

    • 4

      Fill a quart jar with the warm water.

    • 5

      Mix 2 c. sugar into the water until dissolved.

    • 6

      Place the jar in the entrance feeder and at the hive after the mixture has cooled.

    Bee Candy

    • 7

      Gather ingredients: 2 c. granulated sugar, 2 tbsp. corn syrup, 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar, and 1 1/2 c. water.

    • 8

      Combine and heat ingredients.

    • 9

      Stir until sugar dissolves.

    • 10

      Heat without stirring to 238 degrees F or until the mixture reaches "medium ball" stage on a candy thermometer.

    • 11

      Pour onto a cold platter and cool until warm to the touch.

    • 12

      Beat until light.

    • 13

      Pour into molds or shallow dishes.