In February, the weather in our Puget Sound area remains wintry, and honey bees are still clustered in their hives. If workers emerge for a cleansing flight on a warmer day (at least 45^o), they might well find various species of willow in bloom, hazelnut catkins by midmonth, and perhaps in town, horticultural winter heathers in flower.

The beekeeper continues to ready equipment and woodenware for the year, and as early spring approaches, to be prepared for the first inspection.

Tip 1. A set of colored thumbtacks is useful for marking frames; use them to distinguish frames holding pollen or honey and those that need attention at your next inspection.

Tip 2. If you paint your hives, use only latex primer and paint. Oil-based stain is also fine.

Tip 3. As a reminder for proper frame orientation in a hive box, mark each new frame with a “sharpie” felt-tip pen.