Getting Started in Beekeeping: 08: The Beekeeping Year Part 3 - The Norfolk Honey Co.

[@IcemanMobile]

Thanks Stewart.

[@martyball9143]

Hi Stewart, I'm totally absorbed in watching your videos! I've become an avid fan so well done and thank you for taking the time! Every episode I watch raises questions for me as I'm not a bee keeper yet but doing all the research I can now in preparation to hopefully joining the ranks next spring :) My question from this lesson is why aren't bees caught in the wasp traps ? Thanks in advance. Marty (Anglesey)

[@thomasreto2997]

I will try to take a natural approach to pest control but may use pesticides only as a last resort. Sounds like thoughtful observations are the way to do it. Maybe I can hang each frame on the side of hive and video it with iPad, then, study it longer so I know what it is I am looking at. I also have thoughts of wrapping the hive with outdoor Xmas lights for those 0 degree days.

[@TheNorfolkHoneyCo]

Some interesting options there Thomas! Get to grips with the basics, understand what a healthy colony looks like and you won't go too far wrong. Stewart

[@LeoJFraser]

hello, i am just starting and have purchased a WBC Hive and I am getting my colony in a couple of weeks. In this video you mention MAQS. Can you suggest a place to purchase strips? Thank you

[@TheNorfolkHoneyCo]

Hi Leo, I hope you're getting on well with your WBC. Have a great season. Stewart

[@framcesmoore]

Thanks No where have I found how to handle the honey suppers if u are to rotate them. thanks

[@jont4504]

Thanks for posting this series. Do you use wired or unwired foundation in your honey supers?

[@TheNorfolkHoneyCo]

Hi Jon, Thanks for commenting. I use both and will be producing a video showing some of it's uses in the near future. The unwired is mostly for cut comb and chunk honey and the wired for extracted honey as it give a little more structure and strength to the combs when subjected to the extraction process. Stewart

[@harrymorgans1300]

Hi Stewart, what are the best books to read on beekeeping. or can i purchase your books thanks Harry

[@Sweepy372]

Hmmm...My hives are in an area with a lot of heather, so my last honey harvest is in the end of September.

[@TheNorfolkHoneyCo]

Hi Fred, You are absolutely right and very lucky to have some heather for your bees to forage on. It is always the case that the season needs to be modified to suit your local situation. I only wish I had some local heather that I could get my bees onto. Adaptation is the key, if you need to treat your bees between available forage then plan ahead or perhaps use Mite Away Quick Strips as the preferred method of treatment if that is the way you decide to go. Stewart

[@Sweepy372]

Just before the heather starts I treat with formic acid and about now with oxalic acid. By the way the heather honey is a nightmare to get out from the comb...sticky like glue, but the aroma and taste is amazing.

[@TheNorfolkHoneyCo]

Ah excellent, so the MAQS pads are formic acid and I'm about to treat with oxalic acid sometime between Christmas and the New Year. Do you produce any cut comb with the heather honey? I bet that must taste fantastic.

[@Sweepy372]

No I haven't tried cut comb yet but I will try next year. I guess heather honey must be perfect for cut comb since I think this is the only honey in Scandinavia that will not crystallize. This year I used a stainless steel fruit press to extract the honey...really hard work.

[@waynerichardson4001]

I notice you don't cover the basic equipment for startup... not just the hive.... clothing, smokers etc.

[@stephenlingard9084]

Hi Stewart lost my first hive this winter, I have ordered a new NUC think about getting a poly hive what are your views on these as I think the cold killed my bees Regards Steve

[@TheNorfolkHoneyCo]

Hi Steve, thanks for commenting. I've never used a poly hive but intend setting up an apiary this year with poly hives to test them out. I'm almost finished organising it so stay tuned to see how I get on. I have lost some bees this Winter and I think it was a combination of damp and lack of food. Hopefully all the others are through now and getting ready for Spring. Stewart