Oregon Beekeeping Calendar
A month-by-month task guide for beekeeping in Oregon, based on the Pacific Coast climate. Oregon's main bloom season runs april through october, so adjust these dates a week or two to match your local flow.
Pacific Coast at a glance: Mild, wet winters and a long, temperate season west of the mountains. Moisture control is the winter priority, and blackberry, orchard, and coastal blooms drive a generous spring-to-summer flow.
Winter
Dec – FebCool and damp rather than deeply cold — manage moisture.
- •Provide top ventilation or a moisture quilt; wet is deadlier than cold here.
- •Heft for weight and add fondant if light.
- •Leave the cluster undisturbed on cold, rainy days.
Early Spring
Mar – AprBuild-up begins with orchard and maple bloom.
- •First full inspection between rain spells; confirm the queen.
- •Take a varroa count and treat if above threshold.
- •Add space and feed 1:1 syrup if a wet spring stalls foraging.
Spring Flow & Swarm Season
Apr – JunBlackberry and wildflower flow with strong swarm pressure.
- •Super ahead of the blackberry flow.
- •Inspect weekly for swarm cells; split or manage crowded colonies.
- •Make increase and requeen during the flow.
Summer
Jul – AugMain flow continues inland; watch for a dry-summer dearth.
- •Keep supers ahead of the bees during the flow.
- •Provide water in dry inland areas.
- •Monitor mites monthly.
Late Summer / Harvest
Aug – SepHarvest and the critical mite treatment window.
- •Pull and extract capped honey.
- •Do your late-season mite treatment as supers come off.
- •Assess stores for the wet months ahead.
Fall
Oct – NovPrep for a mild, wet winter.
- •Feed 2:1 syrup to top up stores before the rains set in.
- •Set up ventilation and tilt lids to shed condensation.
- •Reduce entrances and add mouse guards.
Timing is approximate. Local weather, elevation, and forage can shift these dates by weeks — your own hive records are the best calendar of all.
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