Feeding your girls in the spring is necessary in Alaska as there isn't typically a naturally available source of nectar when they arrive. Here's how I make sugar syrup. This recipe is easy to modify for any size batch without measuring anything!
Start with a pot that is the approximate volume of syrup you want to end up with. For small batches, use a smaller saucepan. For large batches, break out the big pot! Fill the pot about halfway full of water and bring to a boil. As soon as it starts to boil, turn the heat OFF. Dump in plain, white cane sugar while stirring until the pot is almost full. Leave enough room for stirring without slopping! Stir gently for several minutes, until the sugar has dissolved. Wait just a few minutes, then come back and stir again to help dissolve any sugar that has settled out on the bottom. Cool completely and store any excess in the refrigerator. Packages needing to build new comb will typically need more syrup, more frequently. Do not feed cold syrup to your bees, room temperature is perfect!
