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Talk, tips & how-to on sustainable beekeeping from the North Carolina mountains of Southern Appalachia.
Episodes
Jun 15, 2020
Jun 15, 2020
37 min
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
--
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.
Jun 4, 2020
Jun 4, 2020
1 min
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
--
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
--
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.
May 26, 2020
May 26, 2020
27 min
Episode 65: Apiary update & After a hive swarms
Show notes and links mentioned are (free) at https://www.patreon.com/posts/37568315
--
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
--
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.
May 10, 2020
May 10, 2020
1 min
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
--
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.
Apr 29, 2020
Apr 29, 2020
23 min
Link to article and images in the public show notes at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/36531617
--
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.
Apr 19, 2020
Apr 19, 2020
28 min
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)
--
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.
Apr 10, 2020
Apr 10, 2020
21 min
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!)
--
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.
Mar 30, 2020
Mar 30, 2020
37 min
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
--
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.
Mar 18, 2020
Mar 18, 2020
47 min
Show notes including links to the videos mentioned today are available to everyone here:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/35004660
--
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.
Mar 8, 2020
Mar 8, 2020
30 min
Late winter / very early spring stuff in the bee yard at Five Apple: avoiding starvation, reversing boxes....
--
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.
Feb 22, 2020
Feb 22, 2020
37 min
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
--
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.
Feb 16, 2020
Feb 16, 2020
24 min
Reading of some sections of study material for the NC Journeyman level test. (Not a typical episode if you are a brand new listener! )
Feb 9, 2020
Feb 9, 2020
32 min
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.
--
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.
Feb 2, 2020
Feb 2, 2020
42 min
Going over listener questions and messages. The honey Winner! Plans for upcoming episodes. New beekeeper hazing...(just kidding).
--
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.
Jan 25, 2020
Jan 25, 2020
43 min
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.
Jan 19, 2020
Jan 19, 2020
23 min
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
Jan 11, 2020
Jan 11, 2020
28 min
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
Jan 5, 2020
Jan 5, 2020
23 min
Show notes with all episode links will be posted at https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
Jan 3, 2020
Jan 3, 2020
14 min
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
Dec 29, 2019
Dec 29, 2019
43 min
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.
Dec 21, 2019
Dec 21, 2019
53 min
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.
Dec 14, 2019
Dec 14, 2019
23 min
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
Dec 4, 2019
Dec 4, 2019
27 min
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
Nov 24, 2019
Nov 24, 2019
14 min
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.
Nov 18, 2019
Nov 18, 2019
38 min
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