Beekeeping at FiveApple

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

 

--

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

 

--

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.

--

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

--

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! 

--

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

 

--

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

--

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

--

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

--

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

 

--

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. 

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

--

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

--

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. 

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. :-) 

--

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. 

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

--

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.

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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. 

 

 

 

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

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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 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.