Beekeeping at FiveApple

Leigh Wilkerson
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  • HOME & GARDEN
  • TWICE MONTHLY

Talk, tips & how-to on sustainable beekeeping from the North Carolina mountains of Southern Appalachia.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Ep 147: Gifts of the bees and the beekeepers

    The gifts we get from spending time with the bees, learning about the bees and learning from other beekeepers are so amazing. This episode is a reflection on just some of the beauties and realizations that come with beekeeping in good years and even in not so good beekeeping years. I'd love to hear what gifts you got from your bees this year. It's the last episode of 2025 and already I look forward to meeting you back here in 2026! I'm sending a shout out and a big appreciative hug to each and ever Patron for making this podcast a reality and for each and every listener who is the reason it exists. I thank you all. kind regards, Leigh If you are not yet a supporting patron, you are warmly invited to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free. https://www.patreon.com/c/fiveapple/membership About Beekeeping at FiveApple: 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 fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.

    40 min

  2. 11 DEC

    Ep 146: Radio Reader: The Bees Winter Nest

    What makes a perfect winter home for 60,000 bees? This episode explores Dr. James Tew's look at the architecture of the winter bee nest. You'll discover what scout bees look for when house hunting, what propolis really does, and why the entire colony functions as a single super-organism. A Radio-reader edition of The Honey Bee's Winter Nest" by Dr. James E. Tew, Bee Culture magazine, October 2023. Read with permission of Bee Culture Magazine. Get a subscription to have access to years of archives as well as a new magazine monthly. Subscribe at: https://beeculture.com/ kind regards, Leigh -- You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free. https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple In addition to huge gratitude, you get: Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes 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 FiveApple: 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 fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.

    21 min

  3. 27 NOV

    Ep145 Organic? Treatment-Free? Chemical-Free? Natural Beekeeping Terms Explained in this great article

    Ep145 Organic? Treatment-Free? Chemical-Free? Natural Beekeeping Terms Explained in this ABJ article Ever get confused by all the "natural beekeeping" terms floating around? In this episode I'm discussing an article (Oct 2023 ABJ) that breaks down three approaches that sound similar but are actually pretty different: organic beekeeping, treatment-free beekeeping, and chemical-free beekeeping. They're NOT interchangeable, and understanding the differences might change how you think about managing your hives. Whether you're curious about going more natural with your bees or you just want to know what other beekeepers are talking about when they describe their approach. Handy for new beekeepers trying to figure out their philosophy and seasoned beeks who want to geek out on the fine print of management styles. Article used with permission of American Bee Journal. Want to say thanks to ABJ for allowing these episodes from their archives? Grab a subscription and get access to years and years of bee magazines! One year digital only, with archive access: 21.00. One year print (with access to the archives) Links I mentioned I'd share with everyone—It's Thanksgiving after all! If for any reason these links don't work in your podcast app, you can view them in your web browser here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/144457183 Free At Home Beekeeping Series from Alabama Extension Direct link to Julia Mahood's presentation on recordkeeping (available only til Dec 2 it says) on the Alabama Extension Facebook page. SBGMI Virtual Winter Conference 2026 Certified Naturally Grown apiary standards in handbook form : Whether or not you get certified, this is a top notch collection of 'best practices' imo. Ran across this just today! "Get 40% off a year long subscription to BEE CULTURE MAGAZINE" (limited time offer; this is their fine print below) Valid on online orders only through https://simplecirc.com/subscribe/bee-culture Once on this page, click the 1-Year Print Only Option. Then click the 'Apply Promo Code' (BLUE line of text on the right hand side of screen.) Next, enter code SOC40 and click 'Apply code'. Valid 6PM EST November 26 through 11:59PM December 1, 2025. For U.S. subscriptions only. New subscriptions will begin with the February 2026 issue. If you want to get links like those every time I release an episode, join as a patron! You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free. https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple In addition to huge gratitude, you get: Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos Occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes 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 FiveApple: 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 fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.

    38 min

  4. 13 NOV

    Ep 144 November surprise in the bee yard :-(

    Some surprise late autumn deadouts in the yard, something I've never experienced before in summer or fall. I break down the likely reasons and what I plan to do different next year. Also, happier seasonal updates around the bee yard about the other hives going into winter. kind regards to you all! Leigh Patrons: if you are listening here on the public channel, remember to check out the detailed show notes, links and occasional videos that are a small thank you for supporting this podcast. Today's episode link is: https://www.patreon.com/posts/143437965   ---   Not a supporting patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free. https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes • 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 FiveApple: 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 fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.

    42 min

  5. 30 OCT

    Ep 143: Tips for Winter Prep

    Today's episode is an overview and discussion of prepping hives for winter. For supporting Patrons, I've also made a checklist (and printable PDF) as well as compiled several links for more info on the issues and the methods. Not a supporting patron yet? Please join us below!   kind regards, Leigh -- https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple Not a supporting patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes • 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 fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.

    46 min

  6. 16 OCT

    Ep 142 Bee Amazement: the discoveries of Karl von Frisch

    Some days you just need some amazement and that's what I found in learning about what researcher Karl von Frisch demonstrated in the first half of the 1900s about how bees see, how they navigate (!) , and what they are telling each other (!!) with the dances they do. Equally fascinating is how he managed to design experiments to confirm and prove it all! Hope you enjoy as much as I do! Patrons: Detailed show notes with links to more information on all the topics will be available to you this weekend—a way to say thank you to the group of you who support this podcast to keep it on the air and advertisement free! Just check out this link on Sunday afternoon and I will have your links added: https://www.patreon.com/posts/141368230 kind regards, Leigh   -- https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes • 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 fifteen years. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.

    45 min

  7. 2 OCT

    Ep 141 Bees & Big Ag from Michael Palmer's view

    Today's episode starts with a rambling overview of how things are around here in the beeyard from hive beetles to one year mark from the WNC floods. Then a discussion of a YouTube interview with the legendary Vermont beekeeper for 50 years, Michael Palmer who says being "near row crops" is seriously hurting his beekeeping in a severe new way. Then a related article I happened to find on how neonics make varroa destructor much more destructive. I encourage you to listen to the two part video interview presented by Inside The Hive TV, a YouTube channel with some very interesting interviews.  Links to the material discussed: Part One of the YouTube featured on the Inside the Hive TV channel. Part Two is here. Part Three is just a short about Palmer talking about the book he is still trying to write. And OH I hope he does! Here's the article I quote from in Entomology Today. Keep heart dear beekeepers. Keep on keeping on. –Leigh   -- https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes • 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.

    54 min

  8. 18 SEPT

    Ep 140 Vitamin C for bees??

    In today's podcast, how a backyard experiment led me to find a bunch of research to back up that Vit C added to bee syrup can make a difference for bee health! Plus what's up in the bee yard, wonderful email from listeners, and the usual wandering tangents that somehow all relate to bees! kind regards, Leigh PS. Patrons: watch for your exclusive post this weekend with extensive links on the research and other fascinating info I've found on feeding of late. -- https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free. In addition to huge gratitude, you get: • Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments • Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos • occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes • 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.

    49 min
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About

Talk, tips & how-to on sustainable beekeeping from the North Carolina mountains of Southern Appalachia.

Information

  • Creator
    Leigh Wilkerson
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    140
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Beekeeping at FiveApple

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