Winter feeding honeybees

If your hives feel light at any time between November and early March, you should be prepared to feed with fondant, not liquid syrup.

Bees are unlikely to take sugar syrup in cold conditions, and it may be left to go mouldy.

Wesley Evans, Llanfairfechan

• 1 kg icing sugar
• Water (approx. 8 tablespoons)

Mix the sugar in a bowl, adding water gradually until the mixture is firm but not sloppy. Place portions into small plastic bags, flatten, and position directly over the cluster of bees with a small access opening.

Arwyn Davies, Abergele

• 1 kg sugar
• 6 fl oz water
• Pinch of salt

Dissolve sugar in water, bring to the boil, then simmer for 5 minutes while stirring. Remove from heat and continue stirring until cloudy, then pour into containers to set.

Optional: add two tablespoons of milk powder in spring to increase protein.