Beekeeping at Five Apple Leigh Knott

(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! 
Links mentioned in this episode… (new Patreon exclusive for supporters!) 
 

Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
 


• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• 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. 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. 
 
 

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 appreciation to you all! Leigh (episode continues for Patrons)  
 
--



 
Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
 


• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• 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. 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. 
 
 

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 episodes. So glad you are here! Leigh
 

--



 
Please become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
 


• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• 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. 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 thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year. 






 


 

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 Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
 


• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• 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 Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year. 

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 Friend of Five Apple on Patreon and join the folks who make the podcasts possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
 


• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• 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 Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year. 

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 possible! In addition to huge gratitude, you get:
 


• BONUS podcasts and early access episodes
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• Special Q&A posts to ask me questions about YOUR bees
• 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 Farm: Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She cares for around a dozen-ish hives in a rural Appalachian forest climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments thus far. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.