June gap

{{Use British English|date=September 2010}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}

File:Rubus ulmifolius, flowers and buds, Vias, Hérault 01.jpg flowers in June]]

The June gap occurs in Ireland and Great Britain when there is a shortage of forage available for honey bees, typically occurring in June.

Subsequent to the massive volume of pollen and nectar produced by trees and hedges in the spring, there is a reduction in the amount of nectar available to the bees due to long grasses suppressing many wildflowers.{{cite web|url=http://www.rosybee.com/blog/2011/06/the-june-gap-a-tough-time-for-bees|title =The "June gap" - a tough time for bees|work=Rosybee|date=17 June 2011}} Before the herbaceous "summer rush" of July-through-September which reinstates the high level of nectar, the high hive populations brought around by trees in the spring struggle to produce honey and may lay fewer eggs.

It is a time when beekeepers need to pay special attention to the levels of honey in the hive, as well as the level of water the bees use during this gap.{{cite web|url=http://www.impartialreporter.com/news/13850635.Bees_now_into_the___034_June_Gap__034_/|title=Bees now into the "June Gap"|work=Impartial Reporter|date=25 June 2009}} Annual weather patterns can cause this event to occur later or earlier.

Some plants which can provide nectar in this gap are Cotoneaster, the closely related Pyracantha, common garden [herbs], and perennial garden plants.{{cite web|url=https://missapismellifera.com/2014/06/07/has-the-june-gap-come-early/|title=Has the June gap come early?|work=Mrs Apis Mellifera|date=7 June 2014}}