Beekeeping - Short and Sweet

In this week's Podcast: Ongoing Autumn checks are continuing to reveal, for the most part, some very healthy colonies that are well provisioned for the cold weeks that lay ahead, hefting confirms some weighty Langstroth brood boxes. It’s why I like them. I did however discover one colony that had failed and today I want to talk through how you too can spot the signs and prevent disease from swamping your apiaries.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 322 of my podcast, Beekeeping Shor...

In this week's Podcast: It’s been rather cooler this past week, especially overnight. Not that I’ve seen any frost you understand but it feels like we’ve begun the long journey through to next Spring. Elsewhere, it’s been getting very hot in the honey room, too hot in fact, listen in to hear why! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 321 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release &a...

In this week's Podcast: I recently used some Formic Pro to treat a colony showing severe signs of Varroa damage, so much so I think they may have been close to collapse. Well the results are in, stay tuned to hear if I managed to save them or if, sadly, I’m cleaning out another bee hive.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 320 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Formic Pro Website HEREContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Ear...

In this week's Podcast: Well, the colonies have finally come back from their trip to the heather moors and it’s been a surprising trip, in many ways, stay tuned for my thoughts on exactly what happened.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 319 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access HereStewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook...

In this week's Podcast: I’ve been very lucky to be sent a National Uncapper by the team at Bee cooperative.org It’s a newly designed uncapper, and today I’m joined by the co-inventors Martin and Peter for a chat on how the idea started and how it works.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 318 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.The National Uncapper in all it's forms can be found HEREContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Earl...

In this week's Podcast: Now that we’ve brought the colonies back from the clover fields to their overwintering apiaries, it’s given me a chance to carry out a few checks and I discovered one colony was suffering from a heavy deformed Wing virus infection, this usually means Varroa issues, and that leaves me with a dilemma!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 317 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Formic Pro Website HEREContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping...

In this week's Podcast: It’s been a good week, the nucs are growing very nicely and there are more drawn frames than foundation now, it’s looking really positive. Elsewhere, I’ve been preparing the honey room for the long awaited Summer honey extraction, and I thought you might like to hear about the equipment we have ready for this year’s task.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 316 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Thorne Beehives section racks and containersContact ...

In this week's Podcast: The bees finally made it to the heather moors, without a fuss or any drama, a nice feeling for a change! We now have most of the Summer honey safely back to the honey room and this year we have the added excitement of the square sections and frame upon frame of cut comb honey to process. Stay tuned to hear my thoughts on the Moors, our sections finally make it into a display box, and our latest product trial, the new HC cut comb containers from Thorne beehives. Hi, I’m...

In this week's Podcast: Our Coaching Plus Group meets once a month to chat and ask/answer questions about all things beekeeping. First however, I give my captive audience a run down of where we've been for the previous month. this time it's birage honey, section racks and heather moors.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 314 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modernbeekeeping.co.ukMichael Badger: Heather Honey: A Co...

In this week's Podcast: A funny thing happened in the apiaries last week and it got me thinking about what might be going on. We were removing the Drone brood frame as a varroa control mechanism and some of the frames were simply filled with honey, while others were packed with brood, and lots of varroa. Somethings going on but what? Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 313 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modernbe...

In this week's Podcast: I recently visited the site I intend to use for our heather honey adventure. It’s pretty bleak high up on the moors and first thing in the morning with the mists rolling through you would wonder how the bees are ever going to get out of the hive! Things changed quite dramatically, as I’ll explain.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 312 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modernbeekeeping...

In this week's Podcast: Summer has finally arrived, if only for a few days and it all feels a little too late for any kind of honey crop bragging rights, it’s been disappointing. That said, we’re doing very nicely with our cut comb, and even the section rack looks like it may produce a few saleable squares of honey.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 311 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modernbeekeeping.co.ukMicha...

In this week's Podcast: Another week and more rain! I did however, manage to dodge the showers, and checked out swarm colony that we have been coaxing out of a super and into a brood box, and there’s some good news!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 310 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modernbeekeeping.co.ukMichael Badger: Heather Honey: A Comprehensive GuideContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeep...

In this week's Podcast: The plans for the week changed considerably because of the rubbish weather, it’s been cold and wet and yet we found ourselves picking up a swarm from a stack of supers. A swarm in July as the saying goes, yet I often find it’s well worth some effort, listen in to hear why.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 309 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modernbeekeeping.co.ukMichael Badger: Heather H...

In this week's Podcast: We’ve had a mini heatwave, timed to perfection on the day we planned to move our bees to the borage, so we delayed, as we always have our bees welfare upper most in our minds. We did eventually get them shifted and it appears it was perfectly timed.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 308 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modernbeekeeping.co.ukContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our B...

In this week's Podcast: I’ve been speaking to a number of other beekeepers over the last couple of weeks, and all agree it’s been one of the most difficult starts to a beekeeping season in many years. Some beekeepers are still feeding their bees as we pass the Summer Solstice. For me, I’ve just started to take off the Spring honey crop, what honey there is, but I’m grateful we’ve survived with strong colonies for the summer.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 307 of my podcast, Beek...

In this week's Podcast: It still doesn’t feel like we’ve really got started with our beekeeping season yet in the next couple of weeks Borage will start flowering and the Summer nectar flow will be in full flow. Time for more preparations and I also turn my attention towards Cut Comb Honey production.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 306 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modernbeekeeping.co.ukContact Me at The No...

In this week's Podcast: Introducing new queens into queenless colonies can sometimes be a tricky job especially for the inexperienced beekeeper. We’ve tried several different methods and now focus on making colonies hopelessly queenless before releasing the new queen, listen in to hear more of this almost foolproof method!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 305 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modernbeekeeping.co....

In this week's Podcast: I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, it’s raining again. The bees don’t like it, I certainly don’t like it and I’m desperate to settle in to a regular inspection routine. We’re splitting colonies in preparation for new queen introductions and thinking about the Summer nectar flow that’s heading our way.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 304 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modernbe...

In this week's Podcast: It’s raining again, the Spring crop is ready for the taking and I’m turning my attention to preparing colonies for splitting in readiness for the Summer borage trip.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 303 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modernbeekeeping.co.ukContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and P...

In this week's Podcast: At this time of the year there's just no let up. It's a huge growth period for our colonies, we're still trying to calm the urge for colonies to swarm and I've been carrying out more shook swarms to remove old, dirty combs and with luck any hidden varroa population.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 302 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modernbeekeeping.co.ukContact Me at The Norfolk Honey ...

In this week's Podcast: Another crazy week of beekeeping, More swarms, Stings through my bee suit veil and some thoughts on why I have finally settled on the Langstroth hive as my preferred box for our bees.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 301 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below.Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by Steve Donohoe and Paul HortonISBN: 978-1-914934-67-4Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin O...

In this week's Podcast: Who would have thought it, Episode 300 and what a week we've had. Intense Spring Sunshine, temperatures up to 20 Degrees Celsius and once again, really heavy rainfall. The perfect combination for swarming and boy have we suffered! Listen in to hear just what's been happening.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 300 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below.Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by...

In this week's Podcast: Well, it looks like the weather might finally be turning a little warmer, it's not too different from last year with a late start but now it's here let's crack on, It's a good time to perform a Bailey Comb Change.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 299 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below.Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by Steve Donohoe and Paul HortonISBN: 978-1-914934-67-4Contact Me...

In this week's Podcast: I'm just back from the BBKA Spring Convention 2024 and have to say I had a really great time. If you've not been in recent years, make it a date next year and let's have a party!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 298 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below.Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by Steve Donohoe and Paul HortonISBN: 978-1-914934-67-4Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Be...

In this week's Podcast: Beginner beekeeper Nick Bunker joins me for a chat about his beekeeping journey and hopefully get some answers to some of the many questions he has.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 297 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below.Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by Steve Donohoe and Paul HortonISBN: 978-1-914934-67-4Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the foll...

In this week's Podcast: We've spotted drones in a few colonies, food stores are being replenished in most and it looks like the weather is warming up a little, time to start beekeeping!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 296 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below.Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by Steve Donohoe and Paul HortonISBN: 978-1-914934-67-4Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Communit...

In this week's Podcast: With Spring progressing there's a temptation to stack supers on your hives for an early Spring crop but that might not necessarily be the best option. Listen in to hear why.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 295 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below.Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by Steve Donohoe and Paul HortonISBN: 978-1-914934-67-4Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeep...

In this week's Podcast: Want to sell lip balms, hand creams and other cosmetic products but don't have the time or finances to go through the lengthy process of licencing and insurance? Listen in for a simple solution to boost your sales whether online, at farmer's markets or fairs.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 294 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below.Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by Steve Donohoe a...

In this week's Podcast: Asian Hornet is a real and present danger here in the UK, today I'm joined once again by Jackie Thomas to discuss the current position and what, if anything I should do as we head into Spring.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 293 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below.Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by Steve Donohoe and Paul HortonISBN: 978-1-914934-67-4The Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet Links...

In this week's Podcast: I'm Back, Still struggling with the healthissues but glad to be talking beekeeping once more, and it's March already!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 292 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below.Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by Steve Donohoe and Paul HortonISBN: 978-1-914934-67-4Just in case you missed the Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet Links from 2023National Bee UnitNon-Native Species Secre...

In this week's Podcast: I'm joined in conversation by Rob Nickless, Co-Organiser of The Beekeeping Show here in the UK to discuss some of the things to look out for at the 2024 show.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 291 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.The Beekeeping Show 2024 - Tickets available hereGet your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below.Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by Steve Donohoe and Paul HortonISBN: 978-1-914934-67-4Just in case yo...

In this week's Podcast: I'm joined in conversation by Paul Beardmore from Modern Beekeeping and Happy Valley Honey to discuss his beekeeping, honey production and online beekeeping equipment business. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 289 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Check Out Paul's website, answer a very simple question, and you could win a prize.Check out the link here: Modern Beekeeping Competition entryGet your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the ...

In this week's Podcast: I'm joined in conversation by Luke Hutchinson from Northumberland Honey to talk about Mead, Honey and Queen RearingHi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 289 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Check Out Luke's website, answer a very simple question, and you could win a prize.Check out the link here: Northumberland HoneyThe Beekeeping Show 2024 - Tickets available hereGet your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below.Health...

In this week's Podcast: Happy New Year, It's interview time! I'm joined by Steve Donohoe and Paul Horton to discuss their new book, Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 288 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.The Beekeeping Show 2024 - Tickets available hereGet your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below.Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by Steve Donohoe and Paul HortonISBN: 978-1-914934-67-4Just in case you missed the Yellow-Legg...

In this week's Podcast: Planning for the new season, it's a big part of my winter, it helps me focus, it gets everything in it's place and it helps keep me optimistic for the new season.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 287 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.The Beekeeping Show 2024 - Tickets available hereArticle: Beekeeping Theories Debunked: The Real Buzz on Honeybee InsulationResearch Paper: Honeybee Cluster - Not Insulation but Stressful Heat SinkJust in case you...

In this week's Podcast: Something slightly different, Today I'm chatting with Jackie Thomas, Master Beekeeper, Training Officer for the Dover and District BKA and Asian Hornet Action Team Co-Ordinator. Time to learn more about the Asian Hornet incursions into the South East of England.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 286 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.The Beekeeping Show 2024 - Tickets available hereAsian Hornet Links Below:National Bee UnitNon-Native Species Sec...

In this week's Podcast: What a very cold week we've just had, minus 5 degrees celsius overnight and it's left me shivering. No movement from any hives as our bees sit out the cold and hefting is about all we should now do. Me, I'm having a cuppa and planning the start of my new season and I thought I would share my top tip for Spring splits, swarm management and frame replacement.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 285 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.The Beekeeping Show 20...

In this week's Podcast: It's getting colder and our colonies are all set for the long winter ahead, actually, not really, listen in for yet more of my attempts to catch up with this beekeeping season.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 284 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Dade's Anatomy and Dissection of the HoneybeeContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Acce...

In this week's Podcast: Most beekeepers will have packed away their hive tools and smoker for the Winter by now, but what if you've been unable to get your bees prepared for Winter as you normally might. Listen in for an emergency hive intervention to get back on track before Santa get's here!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 283 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Rel...

In this week's Podcast: It's been an interesting week to say the least! I've been unboxing new equipment, scraping and pressing heather honey frames and witnessed a most disturbing scene, of a mute swan attacking another mute swan at the fishing lakes apiaries.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 282 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Refractometer LinkContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Vide...

In this week's Podcast: November begins and the rain is unrelenting. The fishing lakes apiaries are surrounded by water, it is a fishing lake after all, but the river is overflowing into the lakes, back out into the river again and water is starting to creep towards my apiaries!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 281 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Vide...

In this week's Podcast: A Change to my normal podcast, as I sit down with Niki Backes and Kristina Prokopiou from the charity Bees Abroad to hear a little of what they do, and how, we beekeepers might be able to give our support.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 280 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Visit the Bees Abroard WebsiteJoin in the "Big Give Campaign" with Bees AbroadContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:E...

In this week's Podcast: The very heavy rain we've had this week has rather forced me into the honey room to start the Big Autumn Clean Up. Mostly washing up along with the final phase of my current batch of soft set honey. It's given me time to reflect on the latest infection of |Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus, and of course, it was the bees on the heather that had it!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 279 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Compa...

In this week's Podcast: I'm just back from picking a giant pumpkin with my grandchildren, it's nice to know that somewhere in Essex other children are running around a big field, choosing pumpkins that our bees helped to pollinate. In other news, it's suddenly a lot cooler, something of a shock for us and our bees no doubt!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 278 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the foll...

In this week's Podcast: It's October and the unseasonably warm weather persists. Our bees continue to forage the remaining Ivy flowers, and I'm chasing my tail trying to catch up with a very long list of jobs for this time of year. The good news is I recovered well enough from my cold to visit the Hampshire Beekeepers Association Annual Convention to present my beekeeping season to them. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 277 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Lega Flamingo ...

In this week's Podcast: Warm weather continues here in Norfolk and our colonies are working hard on the Ivy that's now in full flower. It is an opportunity, for some, to grab a late crop of honey but I've been busy at the unit with cut comb and, finally, the heather honey press, it's been an interesting week.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 276 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Earl...

In this week's Podcast: This last week has been one of trying to regain control of the honey room once more. The weather remains warm, the Ivy is in flower and there's a bit of a rush to get settled ready for the quieter time of year, and that's just me! Hopefully, you're all in better control of your apiaries than I and you're putting your feet up early.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 275 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin...

In this week's Podcast: It's been an interesting week to say the least. We're in the middle of an Autumn Heatwave and I've had my trip to the heather moors to discover whether or not I have a crop of honey in return for all of my effort.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 274 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access HereStewart...

In this week's Podcast: September arrives with a pleasant calming of the weather for us here. Warmer, drier days but the inevitably cooler nights as Summer gives way to Autumn. Colonies are now preparing for Winter and so, should we. Stay tuned for my latest update on our beekeeping journey.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 273 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Ad...

In this week's Podcast: It's been something of a frustrating week, we did manage to get bees moved but ran into truck mechanical issues that will need fixing, not a job I can attend to, so while the truck is being repaired my thoughts turn to colony preparations for the coming Autumn and Winter. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 272 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Releas...

In this week's Podcast: Although the main honey crops of the Summer are finished for us now I did find a little bonus nectar coming in this week. It's also time to start preparing colonies for the months ahead. The final days of the summer will slip away quickly now so don't delay. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 271 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Asian Hornet Info can be found HEREContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following w...

In this week's Podcast: The trip to the heather moors has finally happened and not without some struggles. Having had a chance to recover for a few days and with the chance to look back at the whole operation it does now seem quite comical, at the time it was anything but!Listen in for all the thrills and spills of this major event in my beekeeping calendar. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 270 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Co...

In this week's Podcast: Now that the Summer honey crop has been taken off my time has been spent extracting frame after frame of honey. This week I wanted to share how we have our honey room set up, what works well and what caused a slight hold up in the process.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 269 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Carl Fritz Honey Room EquipmentLega Tanks and ExtractorsLyson Honey Room EquipmentContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping C...

In this week's Podcast: The Summer nectar flow dries up and we switch our focus to getting honey supers off the hives and back to base for extracting, exciting times as we see what our bees have produced.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 268 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sample Trading Standards Labelling Advice So long and thanks for all the fish!Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional V...

In this week's Podcast: As we draw towards the end of the Summer flow it's obvious that the wasps have had a good Summer too. They seem to have suddenly appeared and in large numbers around one or two of our apiaries. Time to batten down the hatches, get cleared up, and give our colonies as much protection as possible. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 267 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the followin...

In this week's Podcast: It's been an interesting week, more sunshine and Showers, the nectar on the borage keeps flowing in but locally we're close to the Summer nectar flow shutting down, the tap is about to get turned off and the next phase of the season begins.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 266 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Check out the Lega Flamingo Extractor hereContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Re...

In this week's Podcast: During our last series of inspections I discovered a couple of colonies with higher varroa levels than I would have wished. We're going to try out a couple of techniques to help these colonies, you'll have guessed one by the title of this episode, but what's the other option? Listen to find out more.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 265 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the foll...

In this week's Podcast: It's been a long, hard, working week. Some overnight sessions preparing colonies for the move to the borage and getting them there safely. But there's no complaints, the borage is looking great and we've had some much needed rain!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 264 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Conten...

In this week's Podcast: As we prepare to move colonies to the Summer Borage pollination some final checks reveal a couple of hopelessly queenless colonies. Uniting these colonies with queenright colonies makes for a quick solution. Listen in for this simple technique that gives the queenless colonies a new home. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 263 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:...

In this week's Podcast: With the preparatory work completed and the arrival of our new queens, timing is everything, and wouldn't you just know it, this season my timing is a little bit off, listen in to here how things went! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 262 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access HereSt...

In this week's Podcast: At long last it appears Summer has begun. Temperatures heading up and a drier outlook makes for some urgent beekeeping work to begin in time for the main nectar flow of the season and our planned move to the Borage.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 261 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access Here...

In this week's Podcast: I had a really interesting but brief conversation with a beginner beekeeper this week about the morality of knocking down queen cells. All beekeepers have a dilemma to face when colonies are trying to swarm, some think deeper and longer than others, here's what we discussed and my thoughts on the topic of knocking down queen cells.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 260 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanySpi...

In this week's Podcast: Finally, it's warm and sunny, The bees are getting busy, we're queen-rearing, attempting to prevent swarms and doping a little varroa control all at the same time!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 259 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access HereStewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook Private G...

In this week's Podcast: Sometimes, just sometimes, you walk into an apiary, start inspecting, and as the inspections go from one hive to the next you just keep getting luckier and luckier, stay tuned to hear exactly what I'm talking about.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 258 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access Her...

In this week's Podcast: Suddenly, we find ourselves moving from chilly wet days to warm Spring conditions and for some colonies it's a sure signal to swarm, we can deal with it easily enough, if only we can find the queen. Listen in for tips for finding your queen and what to do if you can't.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 257 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release &...

In this week's Podcast: I spent a very pleasant day inspecting some of our honeybee colonies this week, maybe our season is about to begin, It got me thinking about smoker fuel of all things! Listen in for tips and techniques to keep your smoker alight this season.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 256 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video a...

In this week's Podcast: A chilly East wind continues to blow and it's disrupting my early inspections, we start, we stop, we start again, listen in to hear how this is affecting my early season. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 255 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access HereStewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook P...

In this week's Podcast: Finally, April has produced some warmer weather, albeit, short bursts of sunshine in between chilly hail showers, but it's given me a chance to take a first peek inside some colonies, listen in to hear what I discovered.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 254 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Acces...

In this week's Podcast: This week something slightly different, today I'm joined by Stephen Barnes, Vice Chair of the British Beekeepers Association for a chat about all things BBKA! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 253 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Website of the BBKA HereTo submit photographs of Queens on Frames please use the email address below:photosandvideos@bbka.org.ukContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following wa...

In this week's Podcast: One of our early major nectar flows comes in the form of the Oilseed Rape crops sown widely by farmers across the UK. It brings with it a ready source of nectar and pollen for our bees, but also some challenges in terms of timing and extraction, here's my take on a love/hate relationship some beekeepers have with this early-season plant. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 252 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Oilseed Rape Paper can be fou...

In this week's Podcast: With Spring inspections almost upon us it's a good time to think about how we might replace old queens and that means queen rearing, stay tuned, as I have a couple of new options to try.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 251 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.The Norwich and District Beekeepers AssociationContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Co...

In this week's Podcast: Another week and a change in the weather. Warmer conditions and a chance for our bees to break cluster, get out and forage, and with a little luck, begin to build their brood nest area. Hold tight though, it might still be too soon to inspect. Stay tuned for my reasons why.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 250 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early...

In this week's Podcast: It's been a cold week, a very cold week in some spots. We got off lightly here in Norfolk but the snow still settled on the ground, if only for an hour or two. The forecast is slightly warmer and then back to colder conditions, time then, to hold fast, wait another couple of weeks and prepare for the new season to begin.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 249 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beeke...

In this week's Podcast: March often begins with a cold snap followed by warmer, sunnier days, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a fast start but the forecast isn't very helpful, listen in to hear why I'm ever so slightly concerned.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 248 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access HereStewar...

In this week's Podcast: It's My Birthday! Five years ago, on February 25th I publish my very first podcast, since then we've covered all manner of topics and I've offered up tips and techniques to help you get the maximum amount of enjoyment out of your bees. Stay tuned as we head into the new beekeeping season and look forward to all that this year might throw at us.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 245 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.The Beekeeping Show 2023Busy ...

In this week's Podcast: In my last podcast I was discussing the more serious honeybee diseases AFB and EFB. This time it's the turn of the not-so-tricky pests and diseases such as Chalkbrood, Wax Moth and also possibly the biggest threat to our colonies the Varroa Mite.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 246 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.References for today's podcast:Mráz, P., Hýbl, M., Kopecký, M., Bohatá, A., Konopická, J., Hoštičková, I., Konvalina, P., Šipoš, J., Ro...

In this week's Podcast: One of the biggest challenges beekeepers face each season is the identification of pests and diseases, working out how serious that problem is and then deciding what course of treatment to take. Here's part one of my summary of what to look out for.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 245 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.National Bee Unit Bee Inspectors list - click hereContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the ...

In this week's Podcast: For beekeepers who are overwintering colonies, it may seem that Spring is still a long way off but there are things we can do to check the health of our bees. One of those is checking for nosema, stay tuned to hear some of my thoughts and what the results could mean for your coming season.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 244 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.References for today's podcast:1. Marín-García, Pablo Jesús, Yoorana Peyre, Ana Elena Ahuir...

In this week's Podcast: In the depths of Winter thoughts turn to warmer weather and the prospect, for many, of purchasing their first nucleus colony of honeybees. Here's what to expect and what to look out for.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 243 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.National Bee Unit Advisory Leaflets can be found HEREContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Co...

In this week's Podcast: For new beekeepers, the most important decision can be which hive type to use. With so many options out there it can be quite confusing, today I give my views on some of the most popular.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 242 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access HereStewart's Beekeeping Basics ...

In this week's Podcast: A new year means we can all look forward to an exciting new beekeeping season and there's no better way to get excited for it than to make some plans for the coming year. Stay tuned to hear what I have planned for the coming season.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 241 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for every...

In this week's Podcast: My final podcast of 2022 or is it my first of 2023?! Another year slips by and we've had such fun this year. Here's my look back at the last twelve months and a thought or two about what our new beekeeping season is likely to bring.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 240 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for every...

In this week's Podcast: It's been a really frosty week, temperatures dropping like a stone and woodpeckers paying a little too much attention to my beehives, listen in for my latest damage report. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 239 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon the Beekeeper provides the best value beekeeping...

In this week's Podcast: Eke's Leaks and Fondant, what a combination! What's an Eke I hear you say, stay tuned to find out more on that, the detective work on the leak continues and a chat about when and how to feed fondant over the Winter months.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 238 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon...

In this week's Podcast: We began our Oxalic Acid Winter treatments this week, the first batch of many. Our bees had their first taste of wintery weather and were Clustered together, stay tuned to find out why.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 237 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon the Beekeeper provides the best valu...

In this week's Podcast: The cleaning and sorting continue at a fair old pace, I'm reminded that a Christmas wish list needs compiling, and my mind is drawn to planning our Winter Oxalic Acid treatments.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 236 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon the Beekeeper provides the best value ...

In this week's Podcast: I've finally made a start on the Winter clean-up work, scraping and scorching wooden boxes in readiness for the new season, stay tuned to hear how I get it sorted.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 235 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon the Beekeeper provides the best value beekeeping equ...

In this week's Podcast: I have some exciting new honey room equipment to share with you today, I know I really should get out more but hey us beekeepers just love shiny new stainless steel. Listen in for this and much more.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 234 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon the Beekeeper pr...

In this week's Podcast: Last week we discussed veterinary medicines, importantly they have a treatment period that should not be exceeded, listen in to hear why and catch up with my beekeeping week.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 233 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon the Beekeeper provides the best valu...

In this week's Podcast: The records we keep form an important part of, understanding how our bees have performed, and the can inform our judgement of the treatments we use throughout the beekeeping season. Veterinary Medicines Records are an important part of these, as are the Authorised treatments we use. Listen in for a rundown of the current product list available to beekeepers.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 233 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'...

In this week's Podcast: This week it's pallets stands, grain store woes, Parasitic Mite Syndrome and Acetic acid Treatments, listen in for all this and more beekeeping chat. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 231 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon the Beekeeper provides the best value beekeeping equipment possib...

In this week's Podcast: I'm still playing catch up and this week that involved hefting, part science, part black magic, I was very happy with the results, listen in to hear how to practice before heading out to your hives.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 230 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon the Beekeepe...

In this week's Podcast: It's October, I've survived Covid, and really need to catch up on a few jobs around the apiaries to make sure were still on track for a cosy Winter, listen in for my round-up and all things beekeeping.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 229 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon the Beek...

In this week's Podcast: September has brought with it some much cooler conditions and as the days grow shorter we chase around to get bees treated and fed.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 228 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon the Beekeeper provides the best value beekeeping equipment possible, along with a su...

In this week's Podcast: What we do now in preparing our colonies for the Winter will have a direct impact on the bees. Not necessarily before the end of the year but more importantly, as we approach next Spring. Work carried out now, will reap its rewards, so don't delay.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 227 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affo...

In this week's Podcast: Finally, we've had some rain, guess which beekeeper chose that day to spend strapping hives and tidying apiaries! Listen in for more of my beekeeping exploits, oh, and wasps have featured in our work once more.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 226 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon...

In this week's Podcast: We’re really motoring right now, there just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day and the jobs keep piling up. Listen in to hear how I spent one of my days this week.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 225 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon the Beekeeper provides the best value beekeepi...

In this week's Podcast: Another week and another heatwave, what better way to spend the hot Summer days than setting up nucs for the Autumn, collecting supers laden with Borage honey and having a test drive in a brand new truck! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 224 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Sponsorship: I'm delighted to say that our podcast is now sponsored in part by Simon The Beekeeper - 'Making beekeeping an affordable hobby for everyone, Simon the Beekee...