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
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If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple
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About Beekeeping at Five Apple:
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.
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49:03
Ep 124 Better (than caging) Brood Breaks
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.
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37:37
Ep 123 Welcome to 2025!
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.
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38:31
Ep 122: New Insulation Setup and The "Condensing Hive"
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.
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48:56
Late Fall...and Large NC disaster (Ep 121)
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)
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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.
New Zealand