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 wh…

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 epis…

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 …

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 N…

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 h…

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 bec…

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 gra…

(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! Lin…

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 apprec…

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 epi…

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 Fr…

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 Fri…

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 possi…

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…

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…

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 mentor…

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 wr…

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 Podca…

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 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 epi…

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 t…

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 b…

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…

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 pod…

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…

Bonus episode (97) for Patrons: Thoughts on the InterviewA 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 Pleas…

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 Patr…

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…

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 u…

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…

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 …

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 …

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) --Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to…

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 makin…

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 PATR…

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…

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 availa…

[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. ;-) Eit…

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 m…

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--Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you …

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 -- 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! …

Update from Leigh.... (Ep 81, but not really) -- -- 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 abou…

-- 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…

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. -- 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 podcas…

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 -- Please become a "Friend of the Podcast" on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts po…

Show notes are available to everyone at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/43960833 -- 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…

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!) -- 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 podc…

Episode 75: In Memory, Updates, Part II Winter prepΑπό τον Leigh Knott

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 …

Winter Prep 1: Start with Stores -- 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 • In…