Things to consider in July

Please remember the geographic diversity of Canterbury, from the warmth of Christchurch and the coast to the chills of the foothills, giving specific info here is difficult.
Getting to know your local climate is very important as what one person does this month, may need to happen next month for you even though there is only a few KM's between you.

Check what the long range weather forecast is like, changes between El Nino and La Nina can have major impacts on beekeepers come spring time. If it has been a very mild winter make sure a rubbish spring is not on the way.

- Check on hives externally, slope bottom boards forwards to allow rain to run off. sometimes they can shift in waterlogged ground.

- Check frames for wax moths and freeze for 24hrs to kill them

- Plan your next season out - increasing hives, equipment needed, calendar timings for honey flows, queen breeding, mite treatment etc.
- Build/order needed parts.
- Stay warm and healthy yourself over winter.
- Don't open the hives unless absolutely necessary, ideally the air temp should be 15C or more but if it will save a colony, do what you have to.

What the bees are doing.
 
- The Queen's egg production at its lowest or non existant
- Almost no brood
- Maintaining small colony numbers.
- Only a few collection days available, mainly consuming stores.

July flowers, when everything's not snowed up.

Early plums
Bitter Almond
Camellias
Pussy willows
Hellibores
Grevillias
Forsythias
Japonica
Winter flowering gum trees
Kowhai
Banksia
Gorse
Rosemary
Heather
Winter flowering Clematis