October will give us the major goldenrod flow along with a variety of other weeds this time of year. The flow can be exceptional, but again, if too much rain is falling the nectar can be washed out and you will need to supplement with sugar syrup. The fall flow normally lasts until the first fall frost but can be slowed by early cold snaps as well.

This is the time, at the end of this flow, to decide what needs help and what can stand on its own. Several things must be considered at this time. The quantity of honey must be at a minimum of 40lbs, or a medium honey super full above a deep brood box. Additionally, the quantity, or number, of bees must be observed. Hives with nests smaller in size than a basketball will not produce enough bees at this point to over-winter. On the coldest winter days, the over-winter process sees the outer layer of bees die off due to cold. If there are not enough bees at this point, the hive will be lost.

It is best to stack two weak colonies, picking the best laying queen of the two, for winter survival. Leaving both as they are will most likely see the die-off of both colonies. Saving the resources this way will allow you to easily spring-split this colony because it survived the winter with the resources that it needed.