The Art of Harvesting Bee Honey - Gareth Booth

Beekeeping is a rewarding but challenging endeavor that can provide a substantial source of honey when done correctly. In the United Kingdom, over 40,000 beekeepers tend to more than 250 species of bees, including honeybees and bumblebees.

1. The Art of Harvesting Bee Honey
Beekeeping is a rewarding but challenging endeavor that can provide a substantial
source of honey when done correctly. In the United Kingdom, over 40,000 beekeepers
tend to more than 250 species of bees, including honeybees and bumblebees.
Bees produce honey through a complex process of regurgitation and dehydration. The
average colony in a fertile area in the UK produces between 25 and 30 pounds of
surplus honey annually. Typically, bees collect flower nectar and convert it into honey
during spring and summer, with the hive prioritizing honey storage as autumn
approaches.

2. Optimal Harvesting Times
1
Mid-April to End of May
First major nectar flow period in the UK, ideal for harvesting excess honey
2
Mid-June to Early August
Second major nectar flow period, another prime time for honey collection
While bees typically produce more honey than they need, they require sufficient stores to survive through winter. Several factors determine the best
harvesting time during these nectar flows:
Hive strength and management practices
Weather conditions (sustained warm, sunny weather produces greater yields)
Honey ripeness (moisture content between 15-20%)
Regular hive inspections help monitor the progress of honey frames and ensure you don't take too much honey, which could starve the colony.

3. Essential Protective Gear
Wearing proper protective clothing is paramount when harvesting
honey, especially when dealing with an aggressive hive. Bees release a
pheromone when they sting that signals other bees to attack, making
protection essential.
If you're not wearing a dedicated beekeeper suit, opt for old clothes you
won't wear elsewhere. Bees produce a yellowish waste that can stain
clothing, so regular washing of your beekeeping attire is important.
Full Beekeeping Suit
Complete protection from head to toe
Loose-Fitting Clothing
With face veil and protective gloves

4. The Harvesting Process
Remove Frames
Take honey frames from the hive box
Clear the Bees
Use a bee brush or clearing board placed between supers. After 24 hours,
only a few bees remain to be shaken off
Extract the Honey
Slice wax cappings with a butter knife at 21-27°C. Place uncapped frames in
an extractor and crank the handle for at least one minute
Strain and Settle
Filter the honey and let it settle for about 24 hours. Remove bubbles, solids,
and wax that rise to the top
A refractometer is the best tool to determine honey ripeness by measuring moisture levels. Properly harvested honey should have a moisture content between 15-
20%.

5. Key Takeaways for Successful Honey
Harvesting
Timing is Critical
Harvest during the UK's two main nectar
flows: mid-April to end of May and mid-
June to early August
Safety First
Always wear proper protective gear and
regularly wash beekeeping clothes to
remove pheromones
Balance is Essential
Leave enough honey for the colony to survive winter - taking too much could starve the
bees
With proper technique and timing, a UK beekeeper can harvest 25-30 pounds of surplus honey
per year from a healthy colony in a fertile area. The extracted honey can then be enjoyed fresh
or stored in jars for future use.