Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm Podcast: Recent Episodes
Leigh Knott
Today it's about the bee's most awful behavior: ROBBING. I found a tip on reducing robbing while doing inspections and it works great!!
The PerfectBee.com website I mentioned. The article was from their email newsletter but here's a link to an article on robbing on their blog.
BetterBee's article on robbing and prevention
Rusty of HoneyBeeSuite.com on robbing and another post on preventing it.
May your season be blessedly free of robbing among your bees! kind regards, Leigh
_________________________
You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
- In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
- Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
- Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
- Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
- Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
- Input on the podcast topics
- Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Beekeeping at Five Apple — talk, tips, and how-to on sustainable beekeeping from the Blue Ridge mountains of Southern Appalachia.
Host Leigh Wilkerson brings sixteen years of hands-on experience from her self-sustaining apiary since 2010. The podcast explores colony health, natural bee biology, and organic to chemical-free approaches. Episodes go deep on seasonal management, swarm control, queen rearing, hive biology, nutrition, and sustainable genetics. Designed for beekeepers ready to go beyond the basics, with episodes for newer beekeepers too.
Leigh is a popular Zoom presenter for bee clubs and associations. Topics include specialty splits so you never buy a package again; requeening approaches; simple frame-based queen rearing; building VSH genetics in your yard; and topics by request.
Today Episode:
- July bee yard update
- William's tips on honey harvest (see Williams letter here)
- Tip on making bee boxes last longer "painting with glue" — this whole presentation is well worth watching! ( YouTube Link)
- Invitation to see Julia Mahood present on drones (see below for info)
- Reminder to take care in the heat with electrolytes
- Thoughts on "Chasing Sourwood" and the impacts on stationary beekeepers (AR apiary law. See section 3B for the provision I mention.)
See LINKS and a copy of Williams letter here! (free and available to everyone)
Thank you to the patrons who keep this podcast available to all (and they also get extra goodies as a thank you for the support). Not a patron yet? Please join us at https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
July 28, 2026
July Monthly With Guest Speaker Julia Mahood / ToeCane Beekeepers
Julia Mahood is a Georgia Master Crafts Beekeeper who has been keeping bees since 2004. She is currently president of the Georgia Beekeepers Association. She will discuss honey bee drone behavior, drone congregation areas, and why drones matter. Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. with official business starting at 6:30. Meetings are held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 15 Hemlock Ave., Spruce Pine NC 28777.
Beekeeping at Five Apple — talk, tips, and how-to on sustainable beekeeping from the Blue Ridge mountains of Southern Appalachia.
Host Leigh Wilkerson brings sixteen years of hands-on experience from her self-sustaining apiary since 2010. The podcast explores colony health, natural bee biology, and organic to chemical-free approaches. Episodes go deep on seasonal management, swarm control, queen rearing, hive biology, nutrition, and sustainable genetics. Designed for beekeepers ready to go beyond the basics, with episodes for newer beekeepers too.
Leigh is a popular Zoom presenter for bee clubs and associations. Topics include specialty splits so you never buy a package again; requeening approaches; simple frame-based queen rearing; building VSH genetics in your yard; and topics by request.
UBO, PKB, FKB, mite washes, Harbo assays... It's an alphabet soup out there of ways to test your bees for hygienic traits and resistance to varroa. You may be testing to find out when to apply mite treatments or a brood break to a colony and in that case a simple mite wash is usually enough. But you may be testing to find out your very best genetics you have to raise next years queens for your yards and in that case, you probably need need more information than a mite wash provides. Or do you?
Do these assays work, how reliably do they work and which one is the most reliable, if any? Ang Roell and Bi Kline of They Keep Bees are working to find out with a new NE SARE grant comparison study. Today Ang and I talk about the cornucopia of testing methods that each have their complications and limitations. We'll also find out what Ang and Bi will explore in this ongoing study. Plus, we chat bees, of course. :-) Hope you enjoy this weeks episode! kind regards, Leigh
The Study (read the full grant proposal and study design here)
In 2025 national honey bee losses exceeded 60% in commercial beekeeping operations. Miticide resistance was discovered in 100% of tested samples, highlighting an urgent need for biology-based strategies that reduce chemical dependence while strengthening colony resilience.
This project evaluates the reliability and heritability of four major hygienic behavior assays, in order to determine which methods best predict mite resistance and overwinter survival. We will compare assay performance in twelve breeder colonies (six selected, six controls) and their untreated F1 daughters. Across two seasons, all colonies will undergo standardized rounds of UBO, PKB, and FKB testing, as well as mite washes and Harbo assays. By analyzing correlations among assay scores, mite loads, reproductive mite presence, and overwinter survival, we will identify which tools reliably capture heritable Varroa-resistant traits and which factors influence assay consistency.
This project addresses a documented need for effective selection tools that help beekeepers identify and propagate Varroa-resistant stock. Results will be shared through a report, digital outreach, and a presentation at Cornell's Dyce Lab. A hands-on workshop at They Keep Bees will train beekeepers to practice each assay method. By providing evidence-based guidance to at least 100 beekeepers, the project aims to enable measurable improvements such as higher overwinter survival and reduced reliance on miticides.
Project objectives from proposal:Primary Research Questions1. Do pin-killed brood (PKB), freeze-killed brood using liquid nitrogen (FKB), and unhealthy brood odor (UBO) assays provide predictive measures of heritable mite-resistant traits in F1 daughter queens? 2. Are these assays also predictive of overall colony mite loads and winter survival outcomes? Winter survival will be defined as survival from August of year 1 until March of year 2.
Thank you to the patrons who keep this podcast available to all (and they also get extra goodies as a thank you for the support). Not a patron yet? Please join us at https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
In this episode I share my own process for getting honey from the hives to the jars. It's quirky but it works for me and I'm hoping you might find ideas for your own process or just enjoy hearing how someone else does it. That's what I did when researching this episode!
For supporting patrons, I've also collected a few videos (with video summaries included) you might enjoy and for newer beekeepers, a PDF with a list of tips and links that may help you figure out your own process. If you aren't a supporting patron yet, please join and find that post here: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple/posts/ep160-honey-162052074
__________________________
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
- In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
- Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
- Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
- Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
- Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
- Input on the podcast topics
- Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Beekeeping at Five Apple — talk, tips, and how-to on sustainable beekeeping from the Blue Ridge mountains of Southern Appalachia.
Host Leigh Wilkerson brings sixteen years of hands-on experience from her self-sustaining apiary since 2010. The podcast explores colony health, natural bee biology, and organic to chemical-free approaches. Episodes go deep on seasonal management, swarm control, queen rearing, hive biology, nutrition, and sustainable genetics. Designed for beekeepers ready to go beyond the basics, with episodes for newer beekeepers too.
Leigh is a popular Zoom presenter for bee clubs and associations. Topics include specialty splits so you never buy a package again; requeening approaches; simple frame-based queen rearing; building VSH genetics in your yard; and topics by request.
So you have a caged mated queen and a colony that needs requeening, how to make that happen (so that your special queen actually survives the process!) is what we cover today!
As a thank-you, Patrons got this episode a day early and also get a bonus portion covering the vertical requeening methods that Ryan mentioned last episode plus tips and resources on introducing virgin queens. Supporting patrons keep this show on the air and keep it advertisement free!
__________________________
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
Input on the podcast topics
Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Beekeeping at Five Apple — talk, tips, and how-to on sustainable beekeeping from the Blue Ridge mountains of Southern Appalachia.
Host Leigh Wilkerson brings sixteen years of hands-on experience from her self-sustaining apiary since 2010. The podcast explores colony health, natural bee biology, IPM from organic to chemical-free approaches. Episodes go deep on seasonal management, swarm control, queen rearing, hive biology, nutrition, and sustainable genetics. Designed for beekeepers ready to go beyond the basics, with episodes for newer beekeepers too.
Leigh is also a popular Zoom presenter for bee clubs and associations. Topics include specialty splits so you never buy a package again; requeening approaches; simple frame-based queen rearing; alternative hives including Layens; building VSH genetics in your yard; and topics by request.
Something special today! This interview with Ryan Williamson of Sourwood Farm of Virginia has been the one where I learned the most. He is a full time beekeeper selling local nucs and honey, but who also specializes in offering VSH queens from tested breeders he raises himself.
We start off with how he got into the bee biz and just got to talking between beekeepers and ended up in full geek mode on tips and hacks for testing and introducing queens and much more. He is doing wonderful work and is a joy to get into conversation. Enjoy!
PS. Ryan is a frequent speaker at bee clubs and conferences. He is available by Zoom and in-person in some cases. I got a sneak preview of a couple of his talks and I'm going to be lobbying our club and state conference to book him as soon as possible. You can contact him at his website.
Find our more about Ryan, order queens, honey or this winter...hats (!) Ryan makes from the links below.
Home page: http://sourwoodfarm.com/
Buy Queens or Honey: https://sourwoodfarm.square.site/
Ryan's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SourwoodFarm
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/sourwoodfarms
In case you missed it:Ep157 More Springtime Tips
Ep156 Spring in the Bees!
Ep 155 Interview with Colorado beekeeper and writer Tina Sebestyen
Ep 153 Interview with James Lee of SBGMI
⬆️ available wherever you listen to podcasts
Patron Exclusives:Patron exclusive show notes on Ep 155 which includes link to the split notes compendium.
Links to Five Apple’s podcast on the Reverse Doolittle split on Patreon, with links to Tina’s how-to article as well as my own silly drawings of the process AND the link to the compendium of splits methods I teach (the handout when I speak to bee clubs)
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
- Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
- Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
- Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
- Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
- Input on the podcast topics
- Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
About Beekeeping at FiveApple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen+ hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for sixteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Ep157 More Springtime Tips: Keeping bees in the boxes, avoid the honey dome, get more comb drawn, know if your hive is queenright or queenless.
In case you missed it:Ep156 Spring in the Bees!
Ep 155 Interview with Colorado beekeeper and writer Tina Sebestyen
Ep 153 Interview with James Lee of SBGMI
⬆️ available wherever you listen to podcasts
Patron Exclusives:Patron exclusive show notes on Ep 155 which includes link to the split notes compendium.
Links to Five Apple’s podcast on the Reverse Doolittle split on Patreon, with links to Tina’s how-to article as well as my own silly drawings of the process AND the link to the compendium of splits methods I teach (the handout when I speak to bee clubs)
Here's an extra tip for those who read show notes: If you see your hive swarm, and it was a large hive, there are probably enough swarm cells left in the original hive to cause afterswarms. It's wise to carefully go in the hive and look for swarm cells on frames.
I like to relocate a frame with swarm cells, a frame with open nectar and ideally some pollen, and a capped brood frame to a nuc box and add a few shakes of bees (remember to never shake a frame with a queen cell on it if you plan to keep that cell). This is your backup insurance.
In the main hive, go through each frame carefully and brush bees off brood frames with a feather or bee brush so you can see the swarm cells. Cut them down to one large swarm cell and replace in the original hive.
You have greatly reduced the chances of afterswarms. Plus, you have a backup nuc (or three!) that will also requeen. If your main hive fails to make a queen (check 3 weeks after you do this split to look for eggs from the new queen!) you have the nuc most likely with a new queen and you can combine the two. You now have a young robust queen to go into winter!
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
- Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
- Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
- Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
- Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
- Input on the podcast topics
- Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
About Beekeeping at FiveApple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for sixteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Today it's a ramble through things going on in the bee yard as Spring has taken over and the bees won't wait! Doing some quick splits to save the day, still aiming for more data-driven stock selection and whose swarm is this in my equipment?
In case you missed it:Ep 155 Interview with Colorado beekeeper and writer Tina Sebestyen
Ep 153 Interview with James Lee of SBGMI
⬆️ both of these also available wherever you listen to podcasts
Patron Exclusives:Patron exclusive show notes on Ep 155 which includes link to the split notes compendium.
Links to Five Apple’s podcast on the Reverse Doolittle split on Patreon, with links to Tina’s how-to article as well as my own silly drawings of the process AND the link to the compendium of splits methods I teach (the handout when I speak to bee clubs)
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
- Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
- Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
- Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
- Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
- Input on the podcast topics
- Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
About Beekeeping at FiveApple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for sixteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
I ask Tina about the Miller (graftless) method of Queen rearing and her recent articles in ABJ, then we wander into chat between bee friends of goings on in our apiaries, things we want to try this year and more. Enjoy!
-Leigh
Supporting Patrons, view your exclusive show notes here.
Patron exclusive detailed show notes include:
- What is the Miller Method?
- More info and how-to from Tina’s on the Miller method
- Article on the Miller Method with illustrations of the special comb cuts.
- Handy queen calculator where you fill in the date you graft (or remove the queen in a frame-based split) and it fills in the critical dates such as the cell being ripe and able to be moved to another hive (day 10), when to check back for eggs, etc
- Videos from Tina’s Four Corners Bee Association on splits and other topics
- Link to Tina’s ABJ article on the Demaree method of swarm management.
- (You will need an ABJ subscription to access that article. The subscription gets you access to years of archived issues so it’s a real reference resource!) Not an ABJ subscriber? Subscription info here: https://americanbeejournal.com/subscribers/orderrenew-subscription/
- Five Apple’s podcast on the Reverse Doolittle split on Patreon, with links to Tina’s how-to article as well as my own silly drawings of the process.
- Queen Breeders we mentioned in the show and their links:
- Cory Stevens (MO)
- Sourwood Farms (VA)
- Hall Apiaries (NH)
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
- Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
- Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
- Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
- Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
- Input on the podcast topics
- Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
About Beekeeping at FiveApple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for sixteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Today I share some great tips shared by Greg Rogers of Haw Creek Honey when he presented to our local club. Then we work through swarm prevention strategies (starts at 16:25) that are especially important when it's too early in the season to make splits due to drone availability.
Patrons, you will find your exclusive detailed show notes here.
Today's notes include:
- Greg's favorite YouTube channels
- links about the Demaree method (that AI gets so wrong!)
- image of how to tip a box up to look for swarm cells
- a how-to section on opening the broodnest (or spreading the brood as Greg calls it)
- a link to my master handout of favorite SPLITS METHODS that I give to bee clubs when I present on that topic
- ENJOY! And thank you so much for keeping this podcast going through your support.
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
- Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
- Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
- Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
- Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
- Input on the podcast topics
- Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
About Beekeeping at FiveApple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Today I interview James Lee, president of the Sustainable Beekeepers Guild of Michigan about the goals and offerings of this important virtual education hub for beekeepers interested in increasing the genetic work towards reducing the need for treatments in hives. We talk about his work in creating the Northern Queen Initiative to provide locally raised Northern adapted queens as well as his own apiary and management techniques which you can follow on his YouTube channel James Lee's Bees.
We mention the Harbo Assay, a well-documented but labor intensive way to 'grade' queens on their expression of varroa sensitive hygiene as a way to guide stock selection. SGBMI even offers a course you can take to learn to do it. Or you can read about it from this publication from Penn State.
I hope you enjoy this interview! Leigh
This episode is free and available to everyone....and your support really makes a difference. You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
- Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
- Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
- Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
- Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
- Input on the podcast topics
- Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
About Beekeeping at FiveApple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor and mite/disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
This is a hefty episode that reviews some of the many, many ways knowing bee biology will directly affect the decisions you have to make as a beekeeper in every season of beekeeping. It's long because it affects nearly everything and this is just a sampling! Beginners: take the details you need and just roll with the stuff that you haven't learned yet, but please note how important learning all that bee life cycle stuff turns out to be! Experienced beekeepers: I hope this will inspire you to emphasize bee biology to your mentees as the framework they can build their beekeeping upon.
This episode is free and available to everyone....and your support really makes a difference. You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
- Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
- Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
- Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
- Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
- Input on the podcast topics
- Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
About Beekeeping at FiveApple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
It's that time of year as beekeepers that we find out how we did — how we did all the way back to the summer before. Some years it can be a tough report-card to get! As all things in bees there are many ways to understand what happened. The good news even if it was a bad year is this: we can do better in the coming season. In this episode I encourage you to do just that, while also acknowledging its really really hard to lose any of our colonies. But there's no way to be a beekeeper without losing hives sooner or later. If we truly learn from the losses, it can turn into beekeeping skills that help keep more colonies alive.
Things mentioned in the episode:
Ep 150: Lifecycle of the Bees (and beekeeper) - a storytelling of the yearly cycle the bees circle through and how the beekeeper interacts. Please share with friends and family who want to understand what you and your bees are doing as well as with new beekeepers who need this grounding to start learning about bees.
Ep 149: Starting with a Nucleus Colony, for Newbees A guide with tips for someone starting for the first time (or starting again) with Nucleus colonies. Supporting Patrons have access to an 11 page PDF with more content and hints on how to give your nuc the best start. Note: you may need to log into Patreon so the PDF attachment will show at the bottom of the post.
The New Hampshire Dead Out Checklist: Even if you don't live in NH, this checklist is VERY thorough on the kind of info you can collect from your deadout. It's a great model imo for other clubs to track what their members are seeing in lost hives to see if there are patterns.
Maine Beekeepers share this article on things to look for in an autopsy.
Once you have gathered info from these checklists, it's a great time to discuss with your mentor or with an experienced and successful* beekeeper at your next club meeting.
*in this case, I mean successful at reliably keeping their bees alive over winter
Wishing you all the very best, no matter what you found or find in your bee yard coming out of winter. No matter what, if you love working with bees: Don't quit!! As a speaker told our group one time: FAIL stands for First Attempt in Learning. Hang in there!
A special thanks to all the supporting patrons who keep this podcast going!! And thanks to all of you who take the time to share the podcast with your beekeeping friends and associations. If you would like to support this podcast (as well as get bonus content) please join us at Patreon.com/fiveapple
kind regards, Leigh
Ep 150: Lifecycle of the Bees (and the beekeeper) for Newbees
So this is a version of the talk I'm giving at my local club's bee school this year, telling the story of the bees' yearly cycle. There's nothing else more important to learn as a basis for beekeeping imo. Because whenever we enter the hive, it only makes sense if we understand what the bees are already doing in that season of their cycle. We match our actions to their pattern. Give it a listen and let me know what you think!
kind regards,
Leigh
PS: Supporting patrons, the thick PDF I made you all last week with tips and suggestions for starting with Nucs is posted at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/149455905 Download and feel free to share with your bee club or newbees who buy your nucs.
A full overview for beginners of starting with your first nucleus colony. Things to know, things to learn, things to watch out for. Experienced beekeepers: I've asked for your help in creating a TIP SHEET to share with the patrons of this show on starting with nucs. Send me your best tips and I'll include them on the pdf I'm creating for new beekeepers. It will be available next week on the patreon post for this episode to assist new beekeepers and to be available for experienced beekeepers to share with their mentees.
Want to add your advice to the TIP SHEET? Email me at fiveapple [dot] bees [at] gmail [dot] com or send me a DM here on Patreon anytime! Please tell me where you are writing from too.
Wishing you all a wonderful week!
Leigh
--
You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveappleIn addition to huge gratitude, you get:
- Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
- Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
- Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
- Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
- Input on the podcast topics
- Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
About Beekeeping at FiveApple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
But of course there's beekeeping stuff you can do in winter! :-) Listen in to get ideas about what tasks need doing (check in on your bees food stores!) as well as thought on how to get ahead for the upcoming bee season. Along the way: an idea for setting up a 'learning nuc' and thoughts on record keeping, bee school and more.
This is the video I mention:
https://youtu.be/BEqikrm9PRY?si=ag51ZJt2fVJsYfMU
THANK YOU PATRONS
for keeping this podcast going and keeping it commercial free!
kind regards,
Leigh
Not a Patron yet and want to keep this podcast going commercial-free with a few bucks a month? Please join us by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
The gifts we get from spending time with the bees, learning about the bees and learning from other beekeepers are so amazing. This episode is a reflection on just some of the beauties and realizations that come with beekeeping in good years and even in not so good beekeeping years. I'd love to hear what gifts you got from your bees this year.
It's the last episode of 2025 and already I look forward to meeting you back here in 2026! I'm sending a shout out and a big appreciative hug to each and ever Patron for making this podcast a reality and for each and every listener who is the reason it exists. I thank you all. kind regards, Leigh
If you are not yet a supporting patron, you are warmly invited to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/c/fiveapple/membershipAbout Beekeeping at FiveApple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
What makes a perfect winter home for 60,000 bees? This episode explores Dr. James Tew's look at the architecture of the winter bee nest. You'll discover what scout bees look for when house hunting, what propolis really does, and why the entire colony functions as a single super-organism.
A Radio-reader edition of The Honey Bee's Winter Nest" by Dr. James E. Tew, Bee Culture magazine, October 2023. Read with permission of Bee Culture Magazine. Get a subscription to have access to years of archives as well as a new magazine monthly. Subscribe at: https://beeculture.com/
kind regards, Leigh
--
You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveappleIn addition to huge gratitude, you get:
- Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
- Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
- Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
- Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
- Input on the podcast topics
- Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
About Beekeeping at FiveApple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Ep145 Organic? Treatment-Free? Chemical-Free? Natural Beekeeping Terms Explained in this ABJ article
Ever get confused by all the "natural beekeeping" terms floating around? In this episode I'm discussing an article (Oct 2023 ABJ) that breaks down three approaches that sound similar but are actually pretty different: organic beekeeping, treatment-free beekeeping, and chemical-free beekeeping. They're NOT interchangeable, and understanding the differences might change how you think about managing your hives.
Whether you're curious about going more natural with your bees or you just want to know what other beekeepers are talking about when they describe their approach. Handy for new beekeepers trying to figure out their philosophy and seasoned beeks who want to geek out on the fine print of management styles.
Article used with permission of American Bee Journal. Want to say thanks to ABJ for allowing these episodes from their archives? Grab a subscription and get access to years and years of bee magazines! One year digital only, with archive access: 21.00. One year print (with access to the archives)
Links I mentioned I'd share with everyone—It's Thanksgiving after all! * If for any reason these links don't work in your podcast app, you can view them in your web browser here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/144457183 * Free At Home Beekeeping Series from Alabama Extension * Direct link to Julia Mahood's presentation on recordkeeping (available only til Dec 2 it says) on the Alabama Extension Facebook page. * SBGMI Virtual Winter Conference 2026 * Certified Naturally Grown apiary standards in handbook form : Whether or not you get certified, this is a top notch collection of 'best practices' imo. * Ran across this just today! "Get 40% off a year long subscription to BEE CULTURE MAGAZINE" (limited time offer; this is their fine print below)
Valid on online orders only through https://simplecirc.com/subscribe/bee-culture Once on this page, click the 1-Year Print Only Option. Then click the 'Apply Promo Code' (BLUE line of text on the right hand side of screen.) Next, enter code SOC40 and click 'Apply code'. Valid 6PM EST November 26 through 11:59PM December 1, 2025. For U.S. subscriptions only. New subscriptions will begin with the February 2026 issue.
If you want to get links like those every time I release an episode, join as a patron!
You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveappleIn addition to huge gratitude, you get:
- Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
- Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
- Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
- Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
- Input on the podcast topics
- Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
About Beekeeping at FiveApple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Some surprise late autumn deadouts in the yard, something I've never experienced before in summer or fall. I break down the likely reasons and what I plan to do different next year. Also, happier seasonal updates around the bee yard about the other hives going into winter.
kind regards to you all!
Leigh
Patrons: if you are listening here on the public channel, remember to check out the detailed show notes, links and occasional videos that are a small thank you for supporting this podcast. Today's episode link is: https://www.patreon.com/posts/143437965
Not a supporting patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
About Beekeeping at FiveApple:
Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Today's episode is an overview and discussion of prepping hives for winter. For supporting Patrons, I've also made a checklist (and printable PDF) as well as compiled several links for more info on the issues and the methods. Not a supporting patron yet? Please join us below!
kind regards, Leigh
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https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Not a supporting patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
About Beekeeping at Five Apple:
Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Some days you just need some amazement and that's what I found in learning about what researcher Karl von Frisch demonstrated in the first half of the 1900s about how bees see, how they navigate (!) , and what they are telling each other (!!) with the dances they do. Equally fascinating is how he managed to design experiments to confirm and prove it all! Hope you enjoy as much as I do!
Patrons: Detailed show notes with links to more information on all the topics will be available to you this weekend—a way to say thank you to the group of you who support this podcast to keep it on the air and advertisement free! Just check out this link on Sunday afternoon and I will have your links added:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/141368230
kind regards,
Leigh
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https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Today's episode starts with a rambling overview of how things are around here in the beeyard from hive beetles to one year mark from the WNC floods. Then a discussion of a YouTube interview with the legendary Vermont beekeeper for 50 years, Michael Palmer who says being "near row crops" is seriously hurting his beekeeping in a severe new way. Then a related article I happened to find on how neonics make varroa destructor much more destructive. I encourage you to listen to the two part video interview presented by Inside The Hive TV, a YouTube channel with some very interesting interviews.
Links to the material discussed:
Part One of the YouTube featured on the Inside the Hive TV channel. Part Two is here. Part Three is just a short about Palmer talking about the book he is still trying to write. And OH I hope he does!
Here's the article I quote from in Entomology Today.
Keep heart dear beekeepers. Keep on keeping on.
–Leigh
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https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
In today's podcast, how a backyard experiment led me to find a bunch of research to back up that Vit C added to bee syrup can make a difference for bee health! Plus what's up in the bee yard, wonderful email from listeners, and the usual wandering tangents that somehow all relate to bees! kind regards, Leigh
PS. Patrons: watch for your exclusive post this weekend with extensive links on the research and other fascinating info I've found on feeding of late.
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https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Hope you enjoy this podcast geek out on pollen and its uses in the hive and how critical it is to the colony's success.
Patrons: If you have any portions you would enjoy knowing more about, just let me know and I'll share the links to the sites and presentations I used to research this episode!
Wishing you all a beautiful Fall season, a generous fall nectar and pollen flow in your area, and fat bees being raised for winter!
kind regards, Leigh
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https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Today I'll tell you the unfortunate bear story and how the hives are doing...then, the full episode continues on Patreon with the bonus audio I've promised patrons: an explainer on how the age distribution in a colony (the topic of the last ABJ article I read to you) impacts your beekeeping and the health of the hive, including some important August tasks in the bee yard as a result. It's a way I say thank you to the Patrons, whose support keeps this podcast going!
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https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.
In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
It's my least favorite month of beekeeping, August, aka Grumpy Bee Month. Here are some tips to help you and the bees get through it the best we all can. Kind regards to you all and patrons, you keep this all going: Thank you! --Leigh
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Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Ep 136 Post-conference ramble
A few thoughts after a day of the NC State Beekeepers Association summer conference day last Saturday / Back Care Tips / Details of the why and how of feeding in summer-dearth or to get comb drawn out / and general bee ramblings!
Are you looking for the notes on the presentation I gave at the conference on "Smart Splitting?" If so please email me! Email is fiveapple [dot] bees [at] gmail.com
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Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Part 2 of a radio-reader episode of Kayla deJong's March 2024 article on the division of labor in a colony. It's fascinating to remember the many roles the bees move through in a lifetime!
If you are a subscriber to American Bee Journal you can read the article in the digital archives : https://americanbeejournal.com/
If you are not a subscriber then here's your chance! Enter you special number in the comments on this Patreon post (details in the episode. :-) Free and open to everyone, not just patrons.
I appreciate each and every one of you patrons and listeners,
Leigh
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Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
A radio-reader episode of Kayla deJong's article in American Bee Journal March 2024 on the division of labor in a colony. It's fascinating to remember the many roles the bees move through in a lifetime! This is part one of two.
If you are a subscriber to American Bee Journal you can read the article in the digital archives : https://americanbeejournal.com/
If you are not a subscriber then here's your chance! Enter you special number on this free page (details in episode) over on Patreon.
I appreciate each and every one of you patrons and listeners,
Leigh
--
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Ep 133 Queen Excluders: the good the bad etc--
A wonderful patron asked that I talk about the pros and cons of using queen excluders so that is the subject of today's episode. Detailed show notes (all the resources I used to prepare today's episode) are available for patrons for further exploration of the MANY opinions on this piece of equipment.
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Springtime greetings to you all! Part one of today's episode is a chat on the evolution of how I keep records in my own apiary, in hopes there may be helpful ideas for your own. Then part two is a wonderful letter about experiences with Layens Hive beekeeping from listener William along with some of the great gadgets he has developed for working with them.
Today's patreon page is FREE and open to everyone so you can all see the photos he shared. Here's the link:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/ep-132-keeping-128457959
Thank you SO much William for taking the time to share your experience and the photos. Your observations are important for folks to consider who are thinking of going Layens. Plus, the gadgets you have problem-solved with are excellent!
Thank you to every Patron and listener who support the podcast! If there are topics you have been wondering about and would like me to explore, please reply on the Patreon post! Hope you have a wonderful week! --Leigh
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You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
This episodes concludes the series on splits, with the best saved for last: The Reverse Doolittle, aka The Cutdown. (Best for intermediate beekeepers. ) Also, a review of split dynamics for beginners.
Exclusive for patrons on the Patreon post are links for the how-to, drawing of the whole process, and the complete handout for the splits talk I gave to a few bee clubs on this topic: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ep-131-best-for-127402747
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https://www.patreon.com/fiveappleYou are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Talking today about the handy and easy Nuc (or Retirement Nuc) split; using a quiet box; making and using a Doolittle Box....with a printable PDFs on making a Nucleus Split and a Doolittle box exclusively for patrons on the Five Apple Patreon Post
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https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
With some swarm prevention skills, you can better time your splits! Patrons, the printable of the notes/links on this episode can be downloaded on the Patreon post. Thank you all for your support! Leigh
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https://www.patreon.com/fiveappleYou are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Patron "Show Me Bees" from Missouri asked that I talk about the ins and outs of running all 8-frame mediums. So in today's episode I do. :-)
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https://www.patreon.com/fiveappleYou are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Telling the recent story of how my apiary was saved by bee friends after a tree fell right over the middle of it. Ed and Jim, you saved the day. Plus a reminder to keep an eye on your hive's stores as we start getting more warm days.
Photos of the rescue (open to everyone) at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/123119994
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You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• bonus podcasts and early access episodes• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
A couple things the bees do with propolis I forgot to mention in the episode: embalming hive intruders, fencing in hive beetles! Bee caulk is amazing. Links collected over at Patreon on the post:
- The first video I watched on the unexpected winter losses among commercial beekeepers in the US by Dr Humberto Boncristiani of Inside the Hive TV.
- More on the losses from The Bee Supply channel.
- GA Master Craftsman Beekeeper Cindy Hodges' excellent presentation on Propolis.
- Dr. Marla Spivak's presentation on her research on propolis. An interview with her on propolis in general.
- Ian Steppler on selecting for high propolis bees.
Do you have any favorite uses for propolis?
Wishing you a wonderful week Patrons and Listeners! I sure appreciate all of you!
You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Tips and thoughts on starting with packages for the first time, or starting again after winter loss. Patron exclusive links over at patreon.com/fiveapple
- Kamon Reynolds showing both ways to install on YouTube. I thought this was an excellent overview.
- A non-video tutorial from NC extension -- showing the "shake them out" method...the one you will need to use if the weather is poor or chilly.
- Rusty Ballew showing the walk-out install method. Her site is always a reliable source of info!
- Dadant's How-to tutorial on installing.
- Michael Bush's list of installation mistakes to avoid. He recommends direct queen release..somewhat more risky, use at your own risk tho clearly many people do this.
- The synthetic comb I mentioned
You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Ep 124 Better (than caging) Brood Breaks
Diving into why there are better options (imo) than caging a queen to create a brood break for mite reduction. Exclusive show notes and links to the things mentioned in this episode are available for patrons over at Patreon.
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You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Some reflection on the past year's bee season and things I'd like to continue with (and get better at) in the new season to come. Show notes for patrons with links for stuff mentioned in this episode are over in the Patreon post for this episode: Layens hives, Queen Castles, Long Langs, fave beekeeper YouTubers.
You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
A deeper dive into the why and how of the insulation setup I started using several years ago, the condensing-hive concept. For the patrons, find the links to everything mentioned in the show, and the video I made for you, over at Patreon.com/fiveapple Thanks to all the listeners and wishing you a good overwintering of your bees! Leigh
You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Commenting on posts or messaging allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
The first portion is about bees and the ups and downs of Fall care. Then in a change of subject, I want to tell you about what happened in my little section of Western NC in the floods of Hurricane Helene...as well as try to help get you thinking about your own disaster preparedness. I'm grateful to all of you and want you to be prepared for the when-not-if of weather disasters in your region.
And WELCOME new patrons Leslie and Robert! I appreciate you so much.
Late Fall...and Large NC disaster (Ep 121)
You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Commenting on posts or messaging allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Fall prep list (120) How can it be September already?!? In this episode I go through my own fall prep list and considerations.
WELCOME new patrons Sam, Phil, Taylor and Missy! Thank you so much for joining us and keeping this podcast free of advertising.
Thank you so much for listening, sharing and leaving a good review if you are enjoying the episodes. Leigh
You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Commenting on posts or messaging allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
In the second part of the interview, Troy talks about his late summer/fall management strategy as well as how he manages to overwinter nucs (a core part of his operation as it is to mine) in New Hampshire winters. He also gives me some great tips on how to make winter feeding of those nucs easier in my apiary. Troy also talks about the benefits of raising and selling overwintered nucs as a premium type of nuc due to colony cohesion, something I've noticed as well.
If you are enjoying Beekeeping at Five Apple, please share the podcast with your bee friends, bee clubs and your online networks! I appreciate it so much. :-) Leigh
You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Commenting on posts or messaging allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Today's episode is part one of a rambling bee chat I had with full-time beekeeper Troy Hall of New Hampshire back in the Spring. At Hall Apiaries he produces honey, queens and nucs in a creative, stationary operation of 700ish hives primarily managed without treatments. What a delightful and inspiring person and beekeeper! Hope you enjoy it.
Show Note Links:
Hall Apiaries Website
https://nhbeekeeper.com
I got to hear Troy's presentation in the 2024 Winter Conference of SBGMI. I love it that they offer their conferences online so that folks from everywhere can partake! If you join for $20 you can watch their past conferences. They also offer discounts on bee magazine subs and much more. Please check them out:
Sustainable Beekeepers Guild of Michigan
https://sbgmi.org/
If you are enjoying Beekeeping at Five Apple, please share the podcast with your bee friends, bee clubs and your online networks! I appreciate it so much. :-) Leigh
You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible and keep it advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Commenting on posts or messaging allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Tips for keeping bees cool, Solstice Queens, Split Comparisons & Patron bonus bookmark (117)
Part 1: Ways to cool off hives, benefits of post-solstice queens .
Part 2: continues for patrons with bonus content on comparing the Runaway and the Cut-Down/Reverse Doolittle splits, more about post-solstice queens, detailed show notes with links to some helpful videos.
Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Commenting on posts or messaging allows me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple:Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
A bee-radio-reader episode with Tina Sebestyen's how to overview of a Reverse Doolittle Split which, spoiler alert, is the same as a Cut-Down Split! But Tina explains it so much better than I have!
This episode released last week with detailed show notes for the Patreon supporters. Thank you patrons for keeping this podcast rolling!
Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Commenting on posts or messaging allow me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Detailed show note (usually a Patreon exclusive but wanted everyone to get the links below):
There is hardly a split that is as easy and that yields the reliable results as the Runaway split we all have learned from Ang Roell and Sam Comfort. Remember it when you just need to get it done!
This is their description of the process from their SARE grant description:
"....Move the hive to a new position in the yard. (It can be close to the original spot, i.e. on the same pallet, but with the entrance facing a new direction.)
- Set up a new, empty, similar box where it was.
- Move back one NEWER comb of MOSTLY OPEN BROOD with adhering bees and one comb of food (nectar/pollen) with adhering bees. If the queen is seen, leave her in the new position (or remove her for use elsewhere). Replace the combs with foundation or empty bars. Put the brood and food with bees in the new box (away from the entrance), place in foundation or empty bars, cover with a lid, and you’re done. The field bees will join this queenless hive and help build a new brood nest.
- Check the hive in 4 weeks for eggs, larvae, and the first capped brood from the new queen. If no eggs are present, or if laying workers are laying multiple eggs per cell, the hive can be shaken out or combined with a different split at no loss.
NOTE: You do not need to find the queen, but if you see her during the splitting process, she can be caged and used elsewhere, so that both sides raise a queen and experience a break in brood rearing. Or she can remain in the moved portion to be split again later or the hive expanded for honey production. (Note that continuous brood rearing also can build large populations of Varroa mites.) (Source: https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/fne20-964/)
Leigh again here. You may notice the things I do different are:
-
Putting drawn comb in the new box at the original location so that the field force might collect honey while they are waiting for their larval queen to grow up and go on her mating flight. For three weeks they will have no brood to care for and the could spend that time collecting nectar if you have a flow. On the other hand, their method could yield a lot of nice new comb. I haven't tried it with all foundation.
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I shake in some additional nurse bees to the hive bodies at the original site....just because I'm like that. Ha! I also put more garlic than called for in most any cooking recipe. ;-) Ang and Sam's recipe places the brood frame WITH clinging bees but I know some beginners would be nervous about moving the queen so I gave an alternative nurse bee transfer method. Either way is good as long as there are nurse bees in there.
Finally, the link to their PDF handout is here and it has the conclusions of their study as well as the split instructions. The illustration is using the top bars and a Comfort hive but the process is the same no matter what kind of hive you use.
https://projects.sare.org/wp-content/uploads/ComparingQueenRearingMethods_FactSheet.pdf
Thank you all so much for listening and for all you do for the bees.
Leigh
Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Commenting on posts or messaging allow me to answer questions• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
(recorded the first few days of March 2024)
There was a tech glitch (what happens if you don't do updates regular on the old computer OS...ha) and I couldn't edit this one like usual so it's both late and rough cut, with an even rougher addendum pasted in! But wanted to put it up for everyone. Next episode starts my usual obsession with splits!
Links mentioned in this episode… (new Patreon exclusive for supporters!)
Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
So as I mentioned last time, there was an episode on another podcast I eagerly played because I'm fascinated with the topic, only to be disappointed at the angle they took on some things, and in outright (friendly) disagreement on other points. Just a random ramble of thoughts and reflections for the patrons who keep this podcast going. Huge appreciation to you all! Leigh (episode continues for Patrons)
-- Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Here we are starting a new year and getting another chance to all be even better beekeepers. In this episode: a challenge to you all to stretch your skills and go deeper! Also, thinking about the disservice we do to new beekeepers focusing on starting with a package instead of a nuc... and other random tidbits including some teasers on upcoming episodes. So glad you are here! Leigh -- Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Thinking aloud on the factors in my beekeeping practice that may have contributed to a successful 13th year of fully chemical-free beekeeping. But first, some of the bad beekeeping I've done lately...ha! :-) THANK YOU Patrons for your continued support. You make these podcasts possible...AND commercial free for everyone! Leigh -- Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Wanted to get this out there tonight but will have to compile the links I mention tomorrow! By then, this free link should have the info mentioned in the episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/93855226 This podcast continues to be listener-powered and free of adverts and sponsorship messages. Thanks to the Patrons!!
:-) Leigh
-- Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Greetings from a new homeplace! Bee yard goings on as Autumn rolls into a colder season. It is such a delight to be back with you.
Leigh
This podcast continues to be listener-powered and free of adverts and sponsorship messages. Thanks to the Patrons!!
-- Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Reviewing the content of a club talk I gave last month "Specialty Splits: Or, Why would you Ever just do a Walkaway?" This podcast continues to be listener-powered so remains free of adverts and sponsorship messages. Thank you Patrons!!
-- Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
108: Bee Radio Reader: Bait Hives
Reading the older article Bait Hives for Honey Bees by Dr. Tom Seeley et al. Read the article here.
Other links to bait hive info:
https://www.beeculture.com/get-bait-hives-ready/
https://www.bee-craft.com/beecraft-extra/articles/how-to-use-a-bait-hive
https://www.honeybeesuite.com/tag/swarm-traps/
Enjoy! And happy swarm catching!
Note: The splits book will be delayed -- I'd hoped to have it ready for you by now! -- but I'll be sharing the pieces in progress with the Patrons here as well as sharing other tips and bonus content here every week.
This podcast continues to be listener-powered so remains free of adverts and sponsorship messages. Thank you Patrons!! kind regards, Leigh
--
Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Ep 107: Coming out of Winter and HELLO AGAIN!
(Recorded mid-March 2023) It's so exciting to see the new beekeeping season on the horizon....even if I had horrid overall winter survival due to things I failed do last season. I'll talk about late winter colony issues and care, how NOT to have a winter like I had, how to get the most out of bee mentors and your bee guild, and other random bee chat to start up the podcast for the year.
The splits book will be delayed -- I'd hoped to have it ready for you by now! -- but I'll be sharing the pieces in progress with the Patrons here as well as sharing other tips and bonus content here every week.
This podcast continues to be listener-powered so remains free of adverts and sponsorship messages. Thank you Patrons!!
-- Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • BONUS podcasts and early access episodes• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees• Input on the podcast topics• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple--About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
In this episode: Announcement re pausing the podcast till around Valentine's Day 2023....so I can write you a handbook on splits! :-)
Patreon billing for the monthly pledges of supporters will be paused from now until February 2023 ...but I'm still available for messages from Patrons during the winter for any burning questions. Also feel free to write me about YOUR favorite kind of split and why!
**Correction from what I said in the episode: new memberships are paused till then too due to the Patreon system.
Patrons who have shared a total of $24 or more of support to the podcast will get a copy of the split handbook FREE as a thank you for that support!
Other listeners will have the chance to purchase a copy when it is available too.
The article I'm reading from about Optera:
https://researchmagazine.uncg.edu/spring-2023/part-of-the-hive/bee-business/
Optera website: https://opterabees.com/
Our local black jar honey contest has awarded the winners! Sadly, I'm not among them...but some great folks are. A foray into Fall weirdness at the home apiary with some robbing and (whut?!) bees building outside a tree. And a teaser about the potentially amazing product-to-come, Optera. Hope you enjoy! Leigh --
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Hello wonderful Patrons and all listeners! FINALLY a new episode - catching up a bit on the farm bees, pre-winter prep progress and random bits. THANK YOU ALL for your support and patience with me. Leigh
ps. I mentioned a couple of videos I've enjoyed lately. Bee videos are my favorite way to make kitchen clean up more enjoyable! :-) I was letting bee videos play in the background and ended up learning a lot listening to some I might not have chosen to watch otherwise... I have links, descriptions and comments on this (public) Patreon post. Hope you enjoy! https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-104-are-73001852
-- Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Bee Radio Reader: Combining Hives Early for Fall (103) Reading from "Practical Mergers: Do It Soon" by Zachary Lamas, August 2020, by permission of Bee Culture Magazine. -- Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Episode 102: Summertime and the living is....hot. Tips on cooling off hives in summer; REVIEW of test-frame technique to detect queenlessness vs other reasons. WINNER of the Bee Culture magazine sub from episode 100!!!
Thank you all so much for listening! I invite everyone to join on Patreon below for more content --or if you just want to support the show. If that's not your thing -- please consider leaving a five-star review on Apple podcasts if you enjoy this podcast. I appreciate you all so much. Leigh
-- Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
In this episode: LOVING the runaway (or flyback) split after all! / comparisons of other types of splits / tips for newspaper combines / tips for fixing a laying worker colony. I go on and on since I have lots of built up stuff to tell you! Please forgive me on that (and ignore the JET going overhead during the middle ). So glad to be back in the bees and back chatting with you! Leigh
-- Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Episode 100! Double Screen Board Love
Links mentioned in the episode: This is the link (free and open to everyone) if you are interested in the book and Bee Culture subscription mentioned in celebration of this 100th episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-100-love-65588303
Bob Binnie on splitting with a double screen board. Please note he is using queen cells so the compartment without flying bees for a while after the split does NOT have to feed and raise the queen cells. I mention this important detail in the pod episode too... https://youtu.be/Z62UwOLfdMo
The Apiarist blog post on making vertical splits using a 'split board' that I mentioned: https://www.theapiarist.org/vertical-splits-making-increase/ I'll be doing a video explainer and a printable recipe for patrons on vertical splits to accompany the next episode.
-- Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Thinking about Splits (99) - Hi Patrons! Hit me up with your questions about splits in the comments of the show post at Patreon and I'd be happy to try to help ! https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
-- Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Hi everyone! This is a compilation episode of previous patreon-only episodes 66 and 85-- both on the Nucleus Split method which I use a lot. It's simple, pretty safe* even if the weather is still cool. Also gives a brood break to the great majority of the bees which helps lessen mite reproduction.
(*as long as you make sure the queen retirement nuc has plenty of bees to cover the frames on cold nights AND as long as you GO BACK to the queenless portion ON TIME to either pull queen cell frames and staff to mating nucs/queen castes...OR to cull the queen cells down to ONE. All this is explained in this audio compilation!)
Contents:
Introduction / fundraiser for World Central Kitchen wck.org who is currently supporting the citizens of Ukraine...and a way to get yourself some Five Apple Farm honey as a bonus when you donate / Local support to Common Ground of Eastern North Carolina on behalf of the listeners / SEGMENT 1: A reading from The Apiarist, a favorite blog out of Scotland with his how-to on making nucleus splits (66) / SEGMENT 2: My discussion of making nucleus splits (85) and a tale of a split gone wild.
Enjoy! For the patrons I'll be posting a downloadable 'recipe' for the basic nucleus split as well as some variations I use to make more queens with it!
kind regards, Leigh
-- Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Bonus episode (97) for Patrons: Thoughts on the Interview
A rambling recount of tidbits I took away from the Ang Roell interview and the study results and how it will affect splits in my own beekeeping....but also drawing your attention to bits of info that were small in mention but HUGE in importance. Hope you enjoy. THANK YOU PATRONS!! Leigh
Please check out the PDF " Walk Away Split Recipe & Fact Sheet" available free at https://www.theykeepbees.com/beekeeping-classes for context. Hope you enjoy! Leigh
-- Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Ang Roell Interview Part 2 (96)
In this portion with dig deeper into the factors affecting queen quality in the study as well as wander on some enjoyable tangents! Please check out the PDF " Walk Away Split Recipe & Fact Sheet" available free at www.theykeepbees.com for context. Hope you enjoy! Leigh
-- Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
I've been watching the research, results and resources emerging from the work of Ang Roell, Sam Comfort and team for a few years now! Their latest data and resources have gone above and beyond! AND have directly application to backyard beekeepers who want to raise their own queens and get a QUALITY result.
To get the free resources mentioned in the episode go here and look for the downloads toward the bottom of the page AND sign up for the Queen School series (free) to see the online presentations and if you want to join them in person in the summer:
https://www.theykeepbees.com/beekeeping-classes
-- Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Welcome to Bee Season 2022! (episode 94)
Despite the cold and snow...the bee season is starting up in those hives! Listen in for goings on here at the farm (love that sandwich box trick), propolis curtains (!), some tips on what to watch out for AND prepare for next. The annual "Don't Give Up" talk...and a challenge to choose the next new skill to up your beekeeping game in 2022!
-- Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Check your hives for winter weight! Then....please enjoy this reflection on Irish beekeeper Tim Rowe's 2016 book "The Rose Hive Method." Patrons, I'll be passing the book along to one of you! See the post and let me know why you are interested in reading! (details in the episode). Post is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/59993768
-- Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $1 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Nucs over double-screen boards, more winter patty love, boxes with wood shavings vs foam board top insulation....the winter testing ground here we come. An extra for patrons--Links to equipment and videos mentioned in this episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/58906090
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $1 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high elevation Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Listened to an episode of Honey Bee Obscura (their episode 41) on fall feeding and wanted to share observations it brought to mind and other ideas about feeding options with you all. It's that time of year!
This episode of BFAF released on 06 OCT to Patrons and to the public on 10 OCT. Patrons, remember you have your own audio RSS feed for all the podcasts, plus your early releases and bonus episodes. If you log into Patreon and navigate to your membership tab, your private RSS feed is show there and can be copy/pasted into your favorite podcast app! Show notes and links mentioned in this episode are available to everyone here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/57083467
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
If you can support the show with $1 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a 'beekeeper's dozen' of hives in a rural, high Appalachian climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Doing the first look-back of the 2021 season at the things that have gone well so far!
Thank you Patrons and Listeners! I appreciate each and every one of you.
kind regards, Leigh
(recorded 21SEP21 - released to Patrons on 26SEP21)
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon • blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can support this podcast you are able to share $1 or up a month, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Thank you Bee Culture magazine and Ross Conrad for this article. Also included in the episode, chat about goings on here at the farm. Get your Bee Culture subscription and have access to years of archives in addition to the magazine! https://www.beeculture.com/magazine/
Recorded on 17AUG21
kind regards to each of you and THANK YOU PATRONS for making this podcast possible!
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon • blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can support this podcast you are able to share $1 or up a month, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Bee Radio Reader: Winter Bees! (88)
Thank you to Meghan Milbrath and American Bee Journal for this article from January 2020: https://americanbeejournal.com/the-greatest-generation-winter-bees/
Subscribe to American Bee Journal here: https://www.dadant.com/catalog/books-subscriptions/american-bee-journal
kind regards to each of you and THANK YOU PATRONS for making this podcast possible!
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon • blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can support this podcast you are able to share $1 or up a month, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Bears and Bees don't mix... (87)
Let me tell you a tale of woe (that could have been SO much worse) but hopefully you will learn from my mistakes!
Thank you to each and every Patron and Listener!!
kind regards, Leigh
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon • blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can support this podcast you are able to share $1 or up a month, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
I'm in love with the Layens hive... (86)
Here's the long rambling story of how I accidentally fell in love with a Layens hive and got one going in my yard as an experiment....and plan to gradually transition to a similar hive style in the future (once I build it compatible with Lang frame width). Photos and links mentioned are found here and available to all:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/51674430
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
[BOOKMARK...plus a tip on bees vs calendars] In the full episode: Back in Episode 66 (another Patron-exclusive podcast) we covered how to make a "Nucleus Split" according to the recipe over at The Apiarist blog. The Nucleus Split has been my split of choice this particular Spring. Most times it goes swimmingly! Other times, split gets real. ;-) Either way, it gives excellent results in a split that can be used to make one or multiple new colonies -- all without risking your mother colony. Thank you to every Patron who keeps this podcast going! kind regards, Leigh
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon • blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can support this podcast you are able to share $1 or up a month, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Hive Record Keeping Ramble (84)
Just how many ways can a person keep hive notes? As many ways as there are people keeping bees. And for some of us there may be a slightly different way every year...
Hope you enjoy. How are you keeping your hive records?
kind regards, Leigh
--
Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can support this podcase If you are able to share $1 or up a month, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen hives. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Here we go! Things are starting up for real in the mountains of North Carolina. This episode is a new intro and then a discussion of inspections I shared last year with the Patreon listeners. Happy Spring! Leigh
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can support this podcase If you are able to share $1 or up a month, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Bee Season 2021 Begins!! (82)
Mentioned in this episode:
The Lives of Bees by Tom Seeley
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42585085-the-lives-of-bees
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Update from Leigh.... (Ep 81, but not really)
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You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Some notes on the bees this month...and a bookmark for the full episode for Patrons which is a book review and thoughts about Michael Bush's new book...Beekeeping Naturally: A Simple Recipe.
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
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You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-ish stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Random tidbits about shed bees, moving nucs, see-through inner covers, hive beetles and more. I'm so thankful for each of you listeners! kind regards, Leigh
Links I mentioned in this epidode are here for everyone:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/44482859
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• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus (plus) stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Show notes are available to everyone at:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/43960833
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus (plus) stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Understanding late summer dearth issues; Short reading from Sue Hubbell's "A Book of Bees." (Early release for Patrons on Tuesday, Oct 20, 2020. Thank you Patrons for keeping this show going!)
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• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus (plus) stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
This is the bookmark to let Patrons know their bonus episode has been posted at https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple and is available on their exclusive RSS feed. Also this bookmark contains a HANDY TIP on feeding for everyone. The full podcast is a discussion on notes I took from a talk by an Irish beekeeper with vast experience -- he shared so many tips I was working hard to write them down! kind regards to you all, Leigh
Winter Prep 1: Start with Stores
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You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus (plus) stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Show notes are here https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-72-late-40966216
along with the link to the youtube channel I mentioned enjoying. Thanks for listening! Leigh
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus (plus) stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Ang Roell is a fascinating, young, radical, inspiring beekeeper who was great fun to interview!
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Just thinking out loud a bit about late summer stuff in the bee yard...Episode 70: Late Summer
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• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Flying queens, marking queens well and badly, finally a flow, and general bee yard ramblings.
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• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Honey Stuff Part II, Bears, Goings On (68)
Tips on an extracting set up and I ramble on from there.... :-)
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You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Getting Honey Part 1 (67) -- Mostly beginner tips, idea and ramblings about getting honey off your hives. Part 2 will have a link collection. Thanks so much for being a listener! :-) Leigh
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
A bookmark to let the patrons know a bonus podcast, a reading of The Nucleus Method (for swarm prevention and/or making splits) is up for listening at Patreon.com/fiveapple
I'll be back with regular episode 67 very shortly....on honey! Thanks so much for being a listener! Leigh
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
The 'Happy Listener' tier gets you started for just $1 a month. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Episode 65: Apiary update & After a hive swarms
Show notes and links mentioned are (free) at https://www.patreon.com/posts/37568315
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
You can now join for as little as $1 a month, as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Just an audio bookmark to let Patrons know a bonus podcast on Inspections is up for listening at Patreon.com/fiveapple I'll be back with regular episodes as soon as possible after my microphone bit the dust. A new one is on the way! Next regular episode is Q&A so if you have questions you would like me to attempt then please send a message on Patreon, Facebook or by email! more soon! Leigh
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
The Friend of the Podcast tier has been reduced to $3 as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Link to article and images in the public show notes at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/36531617
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Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month! • Access to Patreon blog posts including "Tip of the Week" • Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees • Input on the podcast topics • Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
The Friend of the Podcast tier has been reduced to $3 as times are tough for so many. If you are able and would like to support this podcast, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
The Doolittle Box using a queen excluder; tips for adding a caged mated queen; beekeeper error; Q re the name 'Cut Down'; using wallpaper steamer to harvest wax and clean boxes and wooden frames.
On Splits, Part Three; Some Q & A (62)
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Please become a "Friend of Five Apple" on Patreon today and join the folks who make the podcasts possible with a pledge of $4 or more. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Access to exclusive weekly blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask questions about YOUR bees
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Input on podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
Sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
The ultimate split imo for big overwintered hives: The Cut Down! Requires intermediate skills. To print the diagram go to: https://www.patreon.com/posts/35851139 (free to everyone though I'd welcome you to join as a Friend of Five Apple if you are able!)
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Please become a "Friend of Five Apple" on Patreon today and join the folks who make the podcasts possible with a pledge of $4 or more. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Access to exclusive weekly blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask questions about YOUR bees
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Input on podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
Sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Some links on splits:
UoG Honey Bee Research Centre (Canada): Nice overview of some splits using mated queens. (But wear your veil! haha!) https://youtu.be/FwGWN0AyoFg
Bee Culture Article: https://www.beeculture.com/making-splits/
The voluminous geek reference of Dave Cushman's (UK) site. I love it. See left column for many splits and related topics: http://www.dave-cushman.net/bee/increase.html
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Please become a "Friend of Five Apple" on Patreon today and join the folks who make the podcasts possible with a pledge of $4 or more. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Access to exclusive weekly blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask questions about YOUR bees
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Input on podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
Sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Show notes including links to the videos mentioned today are available to everyone here:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/35004660
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Please become a "Friend of Five Apple" on Patreon today and join the folks who make the podcasts possible with a pledge of $4 or more. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Access to exclusive weekly blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask questions about YOUR bees
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Input on podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
Sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Late winter / very early spring stuff in the bee yard at Five Apple: avoiding starvation, reversing boxes....
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Please become a "Friend of Five Apple" on Patreon today and join the folks who make the podcasts possible with a pledge of $4 or more. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Access to exclusive weekly blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask questions about YOUR bees
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Input on podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
Sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
In this interview with queen breeder Cory Stevens we talk virgin queens, the challenges of raising queens as a business, and much more. Patrons, I hope you enjoy this early release which will go public on February 22nd. Content is most suited to intermediate beekeepers who are comfortable making splits and introducing mated queens to a split. Once that feels comfortable -- consider adding great genetics to your yard via virgin queens from breeders like Cory. While they are a bit more challenging to introduce....they are cheaper to try out (so get several!) and since they mate with you local drones you can combine the benefits of selected genetics with your local bees.
Cory's on facebook as Stevens Bee Company and his website is: https://www.stevensbeeco.com/
This episode was released a week early over at Patreon -- Please become a "Friend of Five Apple" on Patreon today and join the folks who make the podcasts possible with a pledge of $4 or more. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Access to exclusive weekly blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask questions about YOUR bees
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Input on podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
Sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen-plus stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Reading of some sections of study material for the NC Journeyman level test. (Not a typical episode if you are a brand new listener! )
Bees are always working toward something and that something depends on where they are in the life cycle of the colony in relation to the cycle of the season. Understanding those layers will make beekeeping made a ton more sense! Also: Friends of Five Apple, check the Patreon page for new blog post on keeping apiary records and bonus podcast about the recent bee-shed drama and how the hives at Five Apple are doing this winter.
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If you are getting value from the podcast please become a "Friend of Five Apple" on Patreon today! You make the podcasts possible with a pledge of $4 or more. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Access to exclusive weekly blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask questions about YOUR bees
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Input on podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
Please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen or so stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Going over listener questions and messages. The honey Winner! Plans for upcoming episodes. New beekeeper hazing...(just kidding).
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If you are getting value from the podcast please become a "Friend of Five Apple" on Patreon today! You make the podcasts possible with a pledge of $4 or more. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Access to exclusive weekly blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask questions about YOUR bees
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Input on podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
Please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen or so stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
You have probably met Tina Sebestyen in the pages of Bee Culture or American Bee Journal where she is a most excellent writer as well as an experienced beekeeper in the high desert region of Colorado. Show notes and link to her website are at https://www.patreon.com/posts/33439459
--
If you are getting value from the podcast please become a "Friend of Five Apple" on Patreon today! You make the podcasts possible with a pledge of $4 or more. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Access to exclusive weekly blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Special Q&A posts to ask questions about YOUR bees
• BONUS podcast or early access episode every month!
• Input on podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you!
Please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
--
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen or so stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.
Show notes appear shortly after the episode over at https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple where you can also become a supporter of the podcast should you feel inclined! All the best to all of you, Leigh
Talking about the whole hive as 'the animal.'
https://www.patreon.com/posts/33062208
Bee-School Radio 2020 is collection of special episodes of the podcast dedicated to brand new beekeepers.
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with around a dozen or so stands. Hives are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor and disease resistance. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and a few nucs yearly.
If you are getting value from the podcast please become a "Friend of Five Apple" on Patreon today! Your $4 a month make more podcasts possible. In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
• Access to exclusive blog posts including "Tip of the Week"
• Exclusive Q&A post every week where you can ask me questions
• BONUS podcast every month!
• Occasional early access to regular episodes
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! Please sign up today here:
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Part 1: Do you have what it takes to be a good beekeeper? This episode includes an easy test to give you the answer.
Bee-School Radio 2020 is collection of special episodes of the podcast dedicated to brand new beekeepers.
About Beekeeping at Five Apple Farm: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The apiary is managed for bee health with active selection for vigor and disease resistance since 2010. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting the show as a patron: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
The last episode of 2019! Some thanks, some encouragement. Show notes are posted here and include links to sources I mentioned as well as news about the podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-48-out-32811980
I'll be doing a 'Bee-School Radio' series for beginner beekeepers starting in January on the podcast to supplement the information at your local bee schools. Please spread the word with your clubs and social media places.
Bryan Fisher is a fourth-generation beekeeper and North Carolina Master Beekeeper who runs well over a hundred hives in addition to his day job! He is also someone I greatly respect and admire. Show notes, including links to some of Bryan's presentations on YouTube can be found at https://www.patreon.com/posts/32518781
PS. I'll be doing a 'Bee School Radio' series for beginner beekeepers starting in January for podcast listeners. More on that soon.
Show notes are at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32328651
About the podcast: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The apiary is managed for bee health with active selection for vigor and disease resistance since 2010. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting the show as a patron: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Episode 45 show notes at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32095933
--About the podcast: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The apiary is managed for bee health and vigor—free of chemical-treatments and without buying/catching replacement bees since 2010. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting the show as a patron: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
It’s a short and silly one but I’m thinking of you all as Thanksgiving approaches. Please visit the Five Apple Farm: Bees, Honey & More page on Facebook and tell me your gratitudes about being a beekeeper! I’ll share those next weekend.
The little nucs are cozy in the bee barn. Now we’ll see how it goes. Show notes with pics will appear in the next few days over at https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple/posts
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About the podcast: Leigh keeps bees at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The apiary is managed for bee health and vigor—free of chemical-treatments and without buying/catching replacement bees since 2010. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting the show as a patron: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Show notes with links mentioned in episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31450833
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About the podcast: Leigh Knott keeps around a dozen-ish hives at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The apiary is managed for bee health and vigor —free of chemical-treatments and without buying/catching replacement bees since 2010. If you enjoy the podcast I would welcome your support of the show at: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Show notes are at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31450407
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About the podcast: Leigh Knott keeps around a dozen-ish hives at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The apiary is managed for bee health and vigor —free of chemical-treatments and without buying/catching replacement bees since 2010. If you enjoy the podcast I would welcome your support of the show at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Show notes, posts & links at https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Free sugar block recipe mentioned is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/feeding-bees-in-31022420
Quilt gallery post mentioned (a weekly bonus-post for patrons of the show) is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31101477
About the podcast: Leigh Knott keeps around a dozen-ish hives at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The apiary is managed for bee health and vigor —free of chemical-treatments and without buying/catching replacement bees since 2010.
None of this would be possible without the generous donations from THE RECORDER CREW!
i didn’t get the chance to add an intro and wrap up but will get better at all this. :-) Mark started with bees in 2010 and has been fully chemical free since 2013. He maintains upwards of 30-50 hives outside of Charlotte NC in Locust. Find him on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/flatwoodsbeefarm/https://www.facebook.com/flatwoodsbeefarm
Thank you all for telling your beekeeping friends about the podcast and leaving reviews on Apple Podcasts! And to the Patreon supporters: Huge gratitude! Please consider becoming part of the Farm Crew at:
https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Show notes are available to everyone and include link to the online article I read from -- you can find it here: www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Book Review Part 2 - Selection read from Chapter 3 "Tolerant Stock." Continuation of last episode's discussion of the excellent book "Keeping Bees Alive: Sustainable Beekeeping Essentials" by Lawrence John Connor (Wicwas Press, 2019) And some GREAT news! The recorder is a go thanks to incredible support from:
Deborah in Georgia, Michael in South Carolina, Jeff in North Carolina, Michelle in North Carolina, William in Minnesota, Herbert in Mississippi, and Joan C. THANK YOU ALL for the generous funding of a recorder with which I can do interviews to share on this podcast!
with huge gratitude,
Leigh
questions or ideas for the next episode? Email me at blueridge714 [at] gmail [dot] com or send a message from the Five Apple Farm: Bees, Honey & More page on Facebook.
Discussion of this interesting book by Wicwas Press. (Part 1 of 2)
THANK YOU to contributors to helped get the new interview recorders!!!
Other ways to help:
Tell a beekeeping friend or beekeepers organization about the podcast.
Write a review of why you like the show and give it a great rating on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen.
Thanks to every one of you for listening!
Leigh
blueridge714 [at] gmail [dot] com
Some random chat about what I’m reading and studying for a future episode; stress free alcohol wash hack from Jeff; bee barn teaser; missing Kevin; the usual wanderings.
Taking the simple feeding of sugar syrup for hives you find too light to make it....and complicating it with things to tweak? Guilty. Part 1.
Selections from Norman E Gary, chapter 8 of Hive & The Honey Bee (Dadant).
Also:
The observation hive I’m trying out:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/19583341/indoor-full-size-bee-keeping-observation
Michael Bush on Observation hives: http://www.bushfarms.com/beesobservationhives.htm
Gadget Garage with nice robber screen and other handy things (thanks Jeff!) https://youtu.be/xWA49Oy5Skw Photo of the Z fold hardware cloth robber screen similar to what I use — especially on all nucs: http://thebeehivejive.com/2017/02/22/make-simple-robbing-screens-now-get-ahead-summer/ Thanks for listening! Leigh
I’m happy to report good news on the two hives that had EFB. Also: Late summer is a critical decision/action window for your hives. Some things to consider, plan and prevent...
Top bars, natural comb, podcasting errors, hives without a Queen (apparently), queens from swarm cells — Listener Mail edition. First part recorded in the morning, 2nd part late at night....you may notice the different energy tone, haha! ;-) Thanks so much for listening! Leigh
Can you have too many new queens? Yes! But who can refuse the challenge to give it a try? Not me. Alternative title: Why my post office knows me by name....
European foulbrood is a bummer to discover in a hive. It could be worse though. Talking through some options.
Finally, a way to do a cut down split WITHOUT finding the queen! Thanks to Tina Sebasteyan in the May 2019 American Bee Journal.
Sorry about the poor sound quality on this one... If you would rather just read this interesting article it's here:
https://www.naturalbeekeepingtrust.org/darwinian-beekeeping
Seeley interviewed on Science Friday. This is great!
https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/beekeeping-tips-from-bees/
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Links mentioned in Episode 16: Mites. If you want live bees, you will need a plan to deal with mites. It does not have to be chemical if you are willing to develop other skills (and actually use them). But being aware and knowledgeable about the organic treatments may be what you need to know one day to save your hive (so that you can requeen with more disease resistant stock).
Say hello at the Facebook page — Five Apple Farm https://www.facebook.com/5applefarm/
I’m now a super-fan of Dr. Meghan Milbrath of Sand Hill Bees (Michigan). When I eventually figure out how to do recorded interviews on this podcast she is on my short list to interview. Read/Watch/Listen to her presentations for some of the most understandable, science-based rationale on moving toward treatment-free beekeeping out there — well seasoned with reality. That last part is what makes her work really stand out imo.
I probably could have skipped this whole podcast and just shared the links below with a bunch of exclamation points. ;-)
https://tinyurl.com/y6fbvwtd PDF of her article YOUR BEES DON’T HAVE TO DIE: HOW CAN WE BECOME TREATMENT-FREE WITHOUT KILLING OUR COLONIES?
http://www.sandhillbees.com/education Collection of Milbrath’s articles, presentations at her apiary website.
Keep Bees Alive
http://keepbeesalive.org ( https://pollinators.msu.edu/keep-bees-alive/ ) A treasure trove of information to keep your bees healthy. Really great resource.
THIS!!!! The best (imo) educational webinar in this collection. Please watch this! (also works well as audio-only). Making a plan for varroa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km541EtCjbY
The printed version of above is here: https://tinyurl.com/yxbms5pe
All three webinars by Milbrath are here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD7AYI-MRu_3mp3oRW1kWVw
(Episode numbering adjusted. Will call this episode 16-17 and next will be 18. This will correct a numbering error in an early episode.) ———————————————————————————————————
This is a ‘radio reader’ episode of an online article “Requeening” by master beekeeper, queen breeder and author Larry Connor. More articles and his (excellent) books available at www.wicwas.com Link to this article: https://www.beeculture.com/requeening/ Clarification from last week (Thanks Chris!) This is the Bush bees I was referring to...link below. Tons of good info on his website and even though I’d read a lot of it there over the years, when I received his book “The Practical Beekeeper” as a Christmas gift I found myself reading it cover to cover and really enjoying it. http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm
Dealing with a hive that appears queenless / Figuring out if it is really queenless / Bush’s Panacea Cure / Queen cells from micro-breeders becoming more available. ( Mostly beginner but with intermediate bits too) About the podcast: Leigh started with bees in 2010 and keeps around a dozen hives at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, fully chemical free and without buying replacement bees since starting. When I mention Michael Bush in this and other episodes, this is the website which is a treasure trove of bee reading: http://www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm (Thanks Chris!)
Preventing swarming after splits. Listener question: What advice would you now give your first year beekeeper self.
Today I read selections of Sue Cobey’s classic article on Cloake board queen rearing. Skilled intermediate and up. Full article here (with illustration): https://www.delta-business.com/CalgaryBeekeepers/Bee-Club-Library/Queens%20and%20Nucs/Cloake%20Board%20Method%20of%20Queen%20Rearing%20and%20Banking%20Sue%20Cobey.pdf
Without moving anything smaller than a frame (no grafting, that is) you can make a few to several good queens off your favorite hive. References mentioned (some in reference to next episode):
http://www.bushfarms.com/beessplits.htm#cutdown
Generates a calendar for your queens (use with splits by using your split date as the graft date)
https://thebeeyard.org/queen-rearing-calendar/
http://www.dave-cushman.net/bee/queenraise.html
http://www.dave-cushman.net/bee/benhardenmethod.html
https://www.theapiarist.org/vertical-splits-making-increase/
https://www.theapiarist.org/cloake-board-queen-rearing/
https://www.theapiarist.org/ben-harden-queen-rearing-intro/
About the podcast: Leigh Knott started with bees in 2010 and keeps around a dozen hives at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, fully chemical free and without buying replacement bees since starting.
Aspects to getting quality queens from your own yard. Part one of several. Intermediate level.
Bryan Fisher’s YouTube on Summer Splits:
https://youtu.be/qkVGLJWaO80
Michael Bush slides on basic queen rearing:
http://www.bushfarms.com/QueenRearing.ppt
Random bee chat — Some feedback from you and questions I attempt to answer: flow hive, building equipment, split remorse, trickle feeding question and more.
B/I Many beekeepers are starting out or starting over with Nucs or Packages about now. Exciting time! Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years that may be helpful— trickle feeding, getting comb drawn, preserving comb, sizing the space, getting comfortable, encouragement to practice, read, watch, ponder, rinse and repeat. Beginner/Intermediate.
New beekeepers are attending bee schools this month and starting on their path of beekeeping. Welcome to this brand new podcast! Here are a few tips, a few challenges and some encouragement for you. Originally recorded in Feb 2019 with new short intro added Jan 2020. // Show notes for all newer episodes live at: patreon.com/fiveapple
The updated "Bee-School Radio" episodes created for absolute beginners as well as beginner years 0-4 start in January 2020.
Leigh Knott started with bees in 2010 and keeps around a dozen hives at 3000' in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, chemical-free and without buying/catching replacement bees since starting.