Sugar Water - Advanced Formula
When feeding your spring bees, or your brand new package, a lot of folks ask "how do I make sugar water?".
Without going into the science of it, the best spring mixture is simply sugar and water! It's as close to nectar as you can get, and when mixed correctly.
I always recommend that you use a 1:1 (one to one) mixture of sugar to water ratio. You will find this as the preferred concentration with most beekeepers.
WHAT TYPE OF SUGAR?
I buy my sugar in bulk as it saves money. If you are running two or more hives, I highly suggest that you do as well. I prefer the White Satin granulated sugar as it's already finer than most sugars and easily dissolves in water.
RECIPE
Here is my recipe for 1 gallon of sugar water
- 1 to 1 sugar and water either by weight or volume to make a gallon of sugar syrup
- 1 teaspoon plain unscented chlorine bleach (slows fermenting/helps attract bees)
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar (helps acidity)
- 1 tablespoon Pro Health supplement
MIXING
Many tutorials online tell you to boil the water and add sugar. This works and is just fine, but I've found it just adds time to the process and you have to wait for it to cool which may not work if you are feeding RIGHT NOW! Granted, I mix my sugar water in a 5 gallon bucket and use a paint mixer to dissolve, but you can do the same. Just slowly add the sugar and mix with a spoon or blender.