In March, beekeepers in Indiana should focus on early spring preparations and monitoring the transition from winter to the active beekeeping season. Here’s a checklist of tasks for March:

1. Check for Winter Survivability: As the weather begins to warm, check your hives to see if they have survived the winter. Look for signs of life and assess the overall condition of the colony.

2. Monitor Food Stores: March can still be a challenging time for bees if their winter stores are running low. Check the food levels in your hives, and if necessary, continue feeding them with sugar syrup or fondant to prevent starvation.

3. Early Spring Inspection: On warm days (above 50°F), conduct a quick inspection of your hives. Check for a laying queen, brood production, and signs of disease. Avoid extended inspections to minimize heat loss from the hive.

4. Clean Out Dead Bees: Remove any dead bees from the hive entrance and the bottom board. This helps improve ventilation and reduces the risk of disease buildup.

5. Assess Hive Equipment: Inspect your hive equipment for any damage caused by winter weather. Repair or replace any damaged components, and make sure the hives are secure and weather-tight.

6. Monitor for Pests: Start monitoring for pests like Varroa mites, even in March. Early detection allows for timely treatment if necessary.

7. Prepare for Brood Expansion: As the queen starts to lay more eggs, the colony will begin to expand. Ensure the hive has enough space for this growth, and be ready to add more brood boxes if needed.

8. Pollen Patties: If natural pollen is scarce, consider providing pollen patties to support brood production and stimulate the colony's growth.

9. Plan for Swarm Prevention: Start planning for swarm prevention strategies that you'll implement in the coming months. Keep an eye on hive conditions that might lead to swarming, such as overcrowding.

10. Monitor Weather Conditions: March weather in Indiana can be unpredictable. Keep a close watch on the forecast and be prepared to provide extra insulation or feeding if a cold snap occurs.

By completing these tasks in March, beekeepers in Indiana can help their colonies transition smoothly from winter to the active spring season, setting the stage for a productive year ahead.