Main flow defined

[vemergy]

Two years into beekeeping and I am loving it but still have plenty of unknowns.
Last spring I lost both (and these were all I had) hives and started with anew with package.

The winter of 2014-15, I went with a single hive, and this is the first time, I was able to overwinter a hive successfully.
In fact, the hive is doing pretty good and it is very strong.

Obviously, I worry about swarming which bring me to my question -- when does "main flow" begin for mid-central Ohio?

Is that when the dandelions  are blooming?  Right before?  Right after?

To me, the "main flow" is when everything in spring is blooming -- is this an incorrect assumption?
And not during the summer when I hardly see anything blooming at all.

Please, provide me some guidance or point me to links where "main flow" is defined with respect to blooming or help correct my understanding around that topic.

Thanks in advance.

[jayj200]

Your local colage should have a bee clander for the down load

[Maggiesdad]

Knowing what's available to your bees and what they are working is key. 

http://honeybeenet.gsfc.nasa.gov/Honeybees/ForageRegion.php?StReg=VA_11

For instance, around my place the tulip poplar is the big daddy... but if my hive doesn't have prime forager age bees when the bloom hits, and or the weather doesn't cooperate, it doesn't really matter.

You and your hive and your locale and  your weather determine when the 'main' flow hits.

I think. 

[Maggiesdad]

Hit the return to map button at the top of the chart to pick your Ohio zone. Then use groogle urth to get a feel for what is within flying distance of your girls.

[sc-bee]

Look for the formation of white wax. When the bees begin capping the honey with white wax. This is my signal main flow has arrived.