Strong Hives - Not

Honeycomb from my latest dead-out.
It wasn't like this when I checked in November

First intermediate beekeeping class at the Botanical Gardens on Sunday, taught by Meghan Milbrath. Many things to love about it: an experienced, engaging teacher grounded in research and a roomful of women, for starters. Neither is the norm for beekeeping.

Meghan assigned us to check our hives this week as the weather warms up. Sadly, both of mine are deadouts. Did the larger hive (Georgia queen) go queenless? Take a look at the comb (pictured here).

Consolation prize: a super full of honey. Now the question: with so little honey, is it worth it to rent an extractor? Or should I just use it comb and all?

Also consoling: another intermediate beekeeper's comment that bees, at least for beginners, are like annual crops. Meghan's goal is that we all get past the cycle of having to purchase new bees every year. Emphasis on strong hives. Here's hoping.