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Pollinator project #935339

Asked June 13, 2026, 11:04 AM EDT

I have 5 hives of Honey Bees. I’ve lived next to a consumers powerline. I have a 6 foot wide Rototiller, bush hog, and cultipacker. I planted approximately 2 acres of wildflower last fall. The previous summer, I did spray round up and killed things off and had almost barren soil. I feel I need to do a soil test and I don’t know exactly how to get the materials to do that. I was told not to fertilize it before I planted the seeds. But I feel it needs something. What do I do from here to enhance the flowers for next year?

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Jim,

A very reliable source of information for what to do during years 1 through 3 after seeding an area with wildflower seeds is Michigan Wildflower Farm.

Here is an excerpt from their website:

FIRST YEAR MANAGEMENT is critical for the success of your planting. Weeds will be a concern the first year. We recommend following a mowing regime for at least one-year post planting. Cut the planting to 4-6 inches whenever growth reaches 10-12 inches throughout the first growing season. A string trimmer works well on rough terrain or if mower cannot be set high enough. This technique is effective in preventing weeds from reseeding.

LONG TERM MANAGEMENT of a planting would include pulling weeds, cutting or spot spraying with herbicide. Do use extreme caution if spot herbiciding so as not to affect desirable plants. The entire planting can be mowed in late fall or early spring. If the site allows, burning every three years will help benefit a meadow planting. Do not burn the first two years, as tender seedlings may be damaged. Be sure to obtain a burning permit or contact a professional. In lieu of burning, a mowing/rake off every 2-3 years is beneficial to remove thatch buildup.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 14, 2026, 10:26 AM EDT
Is the Honey bee lab in Beltsville in operation still?  I sent a culture swab to them 3 weeks ago and havent heard back from them.  I've tried to call also and it is going to not in service number.  I'm Calling<personal data hidden>.
I remember you all saying they may lose their federal funding.  I'm suspicious that a supplier of NUCs is spreading EFB.  I have been shown how to look for it but I wanted a written confirmation from them.  I wanted to call them and help them and also help me to start a treatment program for their apiary.   They've started bees for 8-10 years now.
Thanks,  Jim Innis

On Sun, Jun 14, 2026 at 10:27 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 18, 2026, 9:50 AM EDT

It is uncertain when the closing of operations at the Beltsville lab will occur, it could be as early as September 30, 2026 or phased in over years.

Anyone who has submitted or plans to submit samples to the lab should contact the USDA directly for current status of sample processing:

USDA Bee Research Laboratory 

<personal data hidden>

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 18, 2026, 1:35 PM EDT

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