Harvesting honey from a Flow Hive is generally simpler compared to traditional methods. Instead of removing frames and using an extractor, you turn a key, and the honey flows directly into a jar. The time it takes to harvest honey from a Flow Hive can vary significantly. It depends on factors like the time of year, the strength of the nectar flow, and the readiness of the honey. During peak flowering seasons, a Flow Super can fill in as little as a week. However, a super usually fills well within a month during the spring and summer when nectar production is at its peak. The extraction process itself can take about 20 to 25 minutes per frame.

Key Points Explained:

1. Simplicity of Harvesting:
   • Flow Hives are designed for easier honey harvesting. You simply insert and turn a key, which splits the honeycomb cells, allowing honey to flow out. This method bypasses the need to remove frames, uncap them, and use a honey extractor.
2. Factors Influencing Honey Production Time:
   • Time of Year: The primary factor is the season. Spring and summer, when flowers are abundant, provide the most nectar.
   • Nectar Flow: The availability of nectar greatly influences how quickly a hive fills. A strong nectar flow means bees can rapidly produce and store honey.
   • Readiness of Honey: Honey must be properly capped by the bees, indicating it has the correct moisture content. Observation windows in Flow Hives allow beekeepers to check this without opening the hive.
3. Typical Timeframes for Filling a Flow Super:
   • Peak Season: During peak flowering seasons, a Flow Super can fill in as quickly as one week.
   • Spring and Summer: Typically, a super fills within a month during the active nectar-producing seasons of spring and summer.
4. Extraction Time Per Frame:
   • The process of extracting honey from a Flow Hive frame takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes. This includes the time it takes for the honey to fully drain from the frame after the key is turned.
5. Checking Honey Readiness:
   • Flow Hives have built-in observation windows that allow beekeepers to monitor the honey levels and check if the honey is ready for harvest without disturbing the bees.
6. Potential Issues with Extraction:
   • Uncapped Honey: Extracting uncapped honey can lead to fermentation and spillage, which can create a mess and attract pests.
   • Pest Attraction: The extraction process, if not managed properly, can attract pests due to the exposed honey.
7. Comparison with Traditional Methods:
   • Traditional methods involve removing frames, uncapping the honey cells, and using a honey extractor. This can be more labor-intensive and disruptive to the hive.
   • Other methods like the crush and strain method, used for frameless hives, involve crushing the comb and straining the honey, which is also more labor-intensive and destroys the comb.

Summary Table:

Ready to optimize your honey harvesting? Contact us for expert advice!