The backyard bees are very busy again today. There are three new hives in amongst this lot, with another nuc at the bottom of the garden that needs hiving now. I'll try to move them out to their permanent site soon. I hope to start extracting honey tomorrow or Tuesday, all being well, now that … Continue reading Busy Bees
Blog
Time to Make Honey
Cleaning all the kit ready for extraction - 10 supers to extract already, honey tank and extractor drying off after being rinsed (they were thoroughly cleaned before being put away). Uncapping tray and buckets ready - I pour the honey from the buckets into the honey tank, so I only need a few buckets for … Continue reading Time to Make Honey
Melo Bees
This hive was made up from a nuc supplied by Melo Bees two weeks ago, doing very well and filling a super - very happy with these bees.
Free Bees!
In the last couple of weeks I have seen two swarms fly over my house, today while working in the garden, I heard that distinctive sound of a swarm approaching, and they seemed to be settling in the trees behind my house. I nipped out the back gate and saw them landing in a scrub … Continue reading Free Bees!
This Year’s Queens
Two of this years queens successfully mated and laying now, so I marked them today. Both colonies aught to do well, they are nice and strong, and in a good location.
Garden Hives
The garden hives are very busy now, and the split colonies are growing well. I still have 9 or 10 hives to fill, so am hoping to make a few more splits soon. I've been very busy making new hives and the frames to go in them. I still have 4 supers to make and … Continue reading Garden Hives
Two new hives placed at an out apiary today, I have 8 more new hives that need bees - I'll be making a few more splits to fill them, so not expecting much in the way of a honey crop this year. I guesstimate that I have about 100lb of honey to extract at the … Continue reading
New Hives
Today's score, two brood boxes, six supers, two floors and two roofs. I have five roofs, five floors and two brood boxes left to make. Hopefully I can get to B&Q and get some paint for them soon.
Active Bees
The bees are lovely and active today, which is great to see. I have been making new hives all day yesterday and today as I have some new colonies of bees on the way, plus I need to make a few more splits. I have a few empty nucs which I can use, but I … Continue reading Active Bees
Bee Inspector
I'm happy to report a clean bill of health from the NBU bee inspector today, all hives at all four apiaries were checked by the bee inspector.