Beekeeping at Five Apple

Bookmark: Bonus episode for patrons is up! On The Nucleus Method (66)

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 Pat...

Apiary update & After a hive swarms (65)

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 ...

Bookmark: Bonus Audio on Inspections up on Patreon (64)

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 possib...

Readings: On Drawing Hive Inspections (63)

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...

On Splits, Part Three; Some Q & A (62)

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"  •  Spec...

On Splits, Part two: THE CUT DOWN! (61)

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 "T...

On Splits, Part One (60)

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 mak...

Interview with Lewis Cauble (59)

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!  •  ...

Late winter in the bee yard (58)

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 to...

Interview with Queen Breeder Cory Stevens (57)

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 challe...

Journeyman Test Review Segment A (56)

Reading of some sections of study material for the NC Journeyman level test. (Not a typical episode if you are a brand new listener! )

Bee-School Radio Part 4: Seasons & Cycles (55)

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 ...

Listener Mail & Upcoming Episodes (54)

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 acces...

Interview: Tina Sebestyen of Colorado (53)

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: •  Ac...

Early Access...Honey Giveaway & Bee-School Radio Part 3 (52)

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

Bee-School Radio Part 3: Equipment. Plus Honey Giveaway & more (52)

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

Bee-School Radio Part 2: The Colony (51)

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 b...

Readings: Post at The Apiarist (50)

Show notes with all episode links will be posted at https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple

Bee-School Radio Part 1: Do you have what it takes? (49)

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 th...

Closing out 2019 plus encouragement: Don't Give Up! (48)

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. 

Interview: Bryan Fisher (47)

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. 

Interview: Bryan Fisher

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 an Audio Bee School starting in January for podcast listeners. More on that soon. 

Readings: On Replacing Old Comb (46)

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

RadioBee Reader: On Replacing Old Comb (46)

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

From the listeners: Gratitudes on Beekeeping (45)

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

How to slyly bring up BEES at Thanksgiving! (44)

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 Bee Barn! (43)

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 -- 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....

Interview: Dr Meghan Milbrath (42)

Show notes with links mentioned in episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31450833 -- 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

Dear Queen Stubby and the Observation hive (41)

Show notes are at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31450407 -- 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

Listener questions; Sugar Brick Recipes (40)

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 buy...

First Interview! Mark Smith of Flatwoods Bee Farm (39)

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 podc...

More Winter Prep: Reading on Insulation and Ventilation (38)

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

WINTER PREP: The high-speed Overview (37)

Show notes will be posted and available to everyone at: www.patreon.com/fiveapple

Book Review Part 2 - Selected Reading (36)

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 gener...

Book Review: Keeping Bees Alive by Lawrence John Conner ( 35 )

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  

About this current rabbit hole (34)

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.

Feed them if they need it (and maybe for other reasons) (33)

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.

Test results, Winter Prep part A (032)

About that NC Journeyman test. Winter prep: building population vs adding weight.

After the NCSBA conference, testing, gut microbes... (031)

Random items from the conference, geeking out on gut microbes...

Reading: Activities and Behavior of Honey Bees (030)

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

Avoiding hive robbers of the bee and human kind (029)

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

EFB recovery; Late Summer is critical to overwintering, more. (028)

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...

Listener Mail: Top bars, hives without queens, swarm cells to nucs (027)

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

Summer bee plants, selected reading 2/2, Caron/Connor (026)

Continuing with the reading of a selection on Summer and Fall bee plants.

Summer bee plants, selected reading 1, Caron/Connor (025)

Show notes and links to come.

How Many?!?! Adventures with virgin queens (024)

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 (023)

European foulbrood is a bummer to discover in a hive. It could be worse though. Talking through some options.

Bee Health Guru App, Moving Bees, more (022)

Bee yard updates, Summer Splits (021)

Finally, a way to do a cut down split WITHOUT finding the queen! Thanks to Tina Sebasteyan in the May 2019 American Bee Journal.

Article by Tom Seeley: Darwinian Beekeeping (020)

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/