Post by Bettis on Oct 3, 2004 19:44:56 GMT -7
Greetings,
Here in the Grande Ronde Valley (NE Ore) much mint is grown. When the farmers have distilled it they dump the left over mint "slugs" to be spread for organic matter. After sitting a couple of days the mint has a growth of pink-red mold on it. The bees have been gathering it like it was pollen and have filled whole frames with it.
Question: Anybody else had this happen to them? What was the outcome? Can anyone speak generally of the effects of collecting non-pollen as pollen, for example I've heard of this happening with sawdust.
FYI: I was curious early if it was possible to produce a surplus flow from mint. I am here to say yes! The honey is darker and of good flavor. Mint started to bloom here the first part of August I didn't detect a flow until the third week of August and especially into the first of Sept. Problem is most mint is cut before this. Only the last fields to be cut will give a surplus. Most farmers have a pretty good idea about harvest dates for specific fields just ask which field(s) will be last, before you set your hives. Good luck!
Bettis
Here in the Grande Ronde Valley (NE Ore) much mint is grown. When the farmers have distilled it they dump the left over mint "slugs" to be spread for organic matter. After sitting a couple of days the mint has a growth of pink-red mold on it. The bees have been gathering it like it was pollen and have filled whole frames with it.
Question: Anybody else had this happen to them? What was the outcome? Can anyone speak generally of the effects of collecting non-pollen as pollen, for example I've heard of this happening with sawdust.
FYI: I was curious early if it was possible to produce a surplus flow from mint. I am here to say yes! The honey is darker and of good flavor. Mint started to bloom here the first part of August I didn't detect a flow until the third week of August and especially into the first of Sept. Problem is most mint is cut before this. Only the last fields to be cut will give a surplus. Most farmers have a pretty good idea about harvest dates for specific fields just ask which field(s) will be last, before you set your hives. Good luck!
Bettis
