Honey Harvest 2023 ~ spring swarms, harvesting, extraction, bottling, and beeswax of whole season! 🍯

🌱 Welcome to GrowCookPreserve, where sustainability meets daily living. I'm Kelly. Join me as I navigate the rewarding path of self-sufficiency, from tending the soil in my garden and the intricacies of beekeeping, to the joy of cooking and preserving the harvest. Each video is a step in my quest towards a more sustainable lifestyle, sharing tips, tricks, and insights on growing, cooking, preserving, and beekeeping with minimal environmental impact. Let's learn and grow together in a more active, intentional alignment with nature's rhythms. Thanks for watching!
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This season, I achieved my most significant harvest yet, with over 300 lbs. of honey collected. Join me as I guide you through an entire beekeeping season, from the initial spring nectar flow to the final stages of harvesting, extracting, bottling, and even processing beeswax. Beekeeping is not only an exhilarating endeavor but also a surprisingly meditative one, offering unique insights and tranquility. For your convenience, I've included chapters below, allowing you to jump directly to the highlights or parts you're most interested in. Thank you for visiting, and I hope you find this journey through beekeeping as rewarding as I do!
Honey extractor : amzn.to/3veNuoE
- timestamps -
00:00 - Intro
00:14 - Adding honey supers in the spring
02:05 - Catching a double swarm
04:16 - Collecting honey from the hives
16:11 - First day of extracting-uncapping the frames
20:39 - First day of bottling
21:31 - Making and printing labels
22:44 - What happens to the wax cappings?
23:20 - Days 2~4
25:36 - Hand-cutting beautiful honeycomb
28:05 - Honeybees cleaning wax cappings
28:15 - Filtering beeswax
29:32 - Returning empty honey supers to hives for cleanup

[@Awfullyhotcoffeepot]

Best beekeeping video I’ve ever watched. 👍

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you so much! That means a lot.

[@beeawesome7140]

A bee produces about 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey over her lifespan, I try to keep that in mind when working with honey and avoid as much waste as possible.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I do too! I try not to waste a drop. I always leave more than enough for them and never feed them anything.

[@epiphgd4302]

@20:55 what magic! This is a flippin class video, so well made. Thank you.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you!☺️

[@iambilly]

Your quiet, calm and confident demeanor is captivating. A real pleasure to watch, thank you for sharing

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you!

[@aimeewalsh3689]

Me and my boyfriend have been looking for a new beekeeper to watch as we love honey and honey harvesting videos. The video was so satisfying and enjoyable to watch i love how you showed us everything you do and your voice is so calming to listen to! Keep up the good work it looks delicious, you have two new eager subscribers!! ❤❤

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you so much, Aimee! I appreciate the kind words.

[@hummingcatfish]

This is amazing! I just love watching how this is done and I love how peaceful you are. You are an inspiration

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

You are so sweet--thank you! Feel free to ask questions anytime! I love beekeeping. If you were closer, I'd give you my next swarm!

[@telicabernard-rose1397]

Wow very nice work.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thanks, Telica!

[@viking1ur]

So beautiful. So nice and clean. - Thank u for sharing.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you!

[@dorothysanchez6263]

You’re awesome

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you for thinking so!

[@NickyNeff92983]

That was great thank you!

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@xavierm1018]

Beautiful, relaxing, and very sweet!

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you, Xavier! I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.

[@DivineCreation222]

I really enjoyed watching your video. Thank you for sharing 💛

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you!

[@demarcomartin1956]

My mouth is wide open in awe! You are amazing, you do that by yourself is awesome! Cut honey comb. I bet that’s delicious! You have educated me, much respect for the bees and what you do.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you, Demarco! That is so kind of you to say. It is hard work, but I find it so very gratifying. And it is very surprisingly meditative.

[@mattchiswell7842]

What an absolute pleasure to watch. Relaxing, insightful and so beautifully made. Sincerely….. Thank you.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you, Matt! That means a lot to me and makes the extra effort worthwhile.

[@TheTubeClipOn]

♥️

[@dandonahue3580]

good job!! i pull honey the same way, one frame at a time. much easier than lifting them all. was a great year, got 35 gallons off a doz hives.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thanks! Nice harvest!

[@gerardogasquet5846]

great job!

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you!

[@johnhussey3562]

That was a great video, thank you😊

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thanks for watching!

[@justinlaymance2792]

Awesome video my dad kept bees when I was younger and I've been thinking about doing it again

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you! It is a very rewarding and relaxing process!

[@Insectentijd]

Verry nice video

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you!

[@sarbearsleeps333]

WHO DOESN'T LIKE HONEY?! 😱 Seriously I absolutely prefer the dark Sourwood honey (at least that's what we call it here in WNC), that has a deep, intense flavor. 😍

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Hard to believe, but it’s true! Many people don’t like honey!

[@JennaJones-pi1di]

I really did enjoy this video. So beautiful to watch

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you very much, Jenna. I appreciate your kind words.

[@kamrankhan-zk1ml]

beautiful video. you're doing a very impressive and inspirational work!

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you!

[@penguinman9953]

i would love to be a bee keeper when i grow up p

[@hassanodeh6810]

Very valuable information thank you for sharing it with us and introducing us to the bee community. 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@fishmut]

Lovely video , I do the same thing as you but I don’t store Combe frames because wax moth do a tremendous amount of damage and destroy my frames , I found don’t cover the boxes leave them to have light , wax moth do not like light but if they get in and it’s dark they will lay up and then your night mare will be revealed , hope you don’t have this problem it’s not nice , your honey looked beautiful and I bet your customers loved it . Happy beekeeping . 🙏

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you! I only get wax moths taking over if one of my hives goes queenless and I don't catch it. These honey supers do not have any eggs laid in them, so as long as I keep them covered, they stay in great shape. I check on them a few times during the whole process to make sure there are no eggs, larvae or cocoons. Thanks for thinking of me though--I appreciate it!

[@gratefullydeadicated]

Excellent!

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you!

[@teddybear5635]

looks delicious. i would love to start beekeeping but my girlfriend isnt very fond of bees or honey😓

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Neither is my husband, but I make work. You just have to be creative.

[@vilmaquiambao4262]

Good morning mam this video Amazing

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you! It is a work of love.

[@user-yt3yr3ru3i]

👍

[@lorioday8528]

This video is AMAZING!!

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you! I worked hard on it.

[@lorioday8528]

@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn You work hard at everything! And that work you do is so inspiring and so beneficial to so many; flora, fauna and people. ❤️. I don't know how you find time for it all, but Thank you!

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

@@lorioday8528 You always seem to give me a boost when I need it most and I love you for that. It's not easy being me, but I don't know if I would be happy any other way.

[@shilpasinha9110]

Randomly i saw your channel and oh my god,you have a beautiful voice and nice content and informative video 😊

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words.

[@perryrice4149]

Wow that was so beautiful I have never had pure honey before. Only the ones I get from the store in the little better I don't believe that is pure honey though. 😉

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you!

[@MrJiaYiZhen]

wonderful！

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you!

[@danielpalmer1730]

That real light colored honey looks like Sour Wood, has a pretty White blossom

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

It could be-I wish I knew what it was for sure. I’ve only had it the last few years. It’s definitely from something early-mid spring.

[@vytahyobciamiest]

GO

[@JuanPadilla-mn7nt]

esa es una bendición de dis pura miel virgen

[@NahueAbr]

Very nice and insightful video! Thanks for sharing your work and experience as beekeeper :) I have a small question: the wax that you were filtering for some other uses, can be used to make candles (for example)?

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you! Yes, I make candles, lip balm, salves, and beeswax wraps.

[@NahueAbr]

@@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn excellent!! Incredible job btw :)

[@cichlidstrainhunter3607]

Beautiful absolutely beautiful the whole process, where can you purchase some of the products?

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you! I’m not set up to sell online but you can email me at [e-mail].

[@gloriafowler2509]

Do you sale the comb over the internet? I would love to let the grandkids try some.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I’m not yet set up to sell online, but if you are interested, you can send me an email: [e-mail]

[@timothymitchell8310]

Awesome video! I have subscribed and am looking forward to seeing more. I like the addition sun screening roofs. What part of the world are you in? I’m in Japan. Tokyo area the city of Ome. Thank you for sharing.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you so much! I’m in southwest Ohio, in the United States. I have been to Japan, both Tokyo and Niigata Prefecture, many years ago.

[@timothymitchell8310]

@@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn cool! Would that light honey that you mentioned, would that be canola honey ? I read that it’s everywhere in Ohio except the southeast . What does it taste like?

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

@@timothymitchell8310 no, there’s no canola (rapeseed) crops near me. It’s from a nectar source of an early-spring blooming tree/shrub, most likely locust, privet, or honeysuckle, I think. It’s hard to be sure.

[@TeddyLearningGerman]

Thanks for the tip on smashing the boss with forge hammer! I’d been sending one character in with sanctuary, but the platform and forge wouldn’t reset so I got only one item. That might have been a bug that’s fixed now. Anyway, with your tip, I went back and now have the scale armor and the mace. I needed the mace to finally defeat the boss because it had 12 hp left after two hits with the forge. Luckily, the mace, with its ability to over-ride bludgeoning immunity, was there at my feet!

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I think you meant to comment on another thread.

[@luimargarza6859]

If you're looking for (non paying) internship....I'm retired and would love to experience this divine calling. If it helps, I am a fastidious Felix in cleaning... 😁

[@arotogtech]

Inspiring stuff. So is beekeping/natural honey production a really profitable business?

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you! Beekeeping is only a hobby for me and I’m lucky to break even. But I’m a terrible salesperson because I give away as much as I sell 😂. I originally started to improve pollination in my gardens, but it grew from there.

[@arotogtech]

@@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn That is fine. Thanknyou so much for sharing your insights. I believe you are gifted with bees and honey. I am getting a piece if land soon, so I was considering operating at a small scale level to start. Perhaps 3-400 beehives with the African bee for wild raw honey, however for the export market........ Standards is what I'm looking to appreciate.....

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

@@arotogtech best of luck to you! It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding.

[@arotogtech]

@@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn That's fine. Thank know you for the kind words.

[@AlhasancapiBojang-nx8ev]

How long did you keep this bees to give you this amount of honey

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I have been beekeeping for over a decade some losses and keeping swarms, so it's hard to say. The amount of honey produced can vary widely depending on several factors such as the strength of the colony, local weather conditions, availability of nectar sources, etc. However, as a rough estimate, a healthy and productive hive with two supers (each super typically holds around 8-10 frames) can yield anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds (22 to 45 kilograms) of honey in a good season.

[@damiandawes8814]

When switching the frames, reverse them so the outside edge is now on the inside and vice versa. This ensures that you have higher centrifugal force applied to each area of the comb. I don't see how laterally swapping frames gets any more honey out.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

It seems to work as they are much lighter after the switch, but I will give it a shot next time. It makes sense. Thanks for the tip!

[@beeawesome7140]

Your label says untreated hives, are you not doing any kind of pest control?

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

That is correct. I have never treated.

[@McKenzieunexplainedflix7238]

Where can I buy some of your honey ?

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I'm located in Ohio, so I can ship it. It is $10 for a 1 pound bottle and about $10 shipping in the U.S.. If you are interested, you can send me your address via email: [e-mail]. I take Venmo @Kelly-Schradin THANK YOU! 🥰

[@vytahyobciamiest]

Tibor Ščúr

[@dandonahue3580]

one question. What is the name of that extractor??/ it doesnt look like a maxant 1300 electric. But it is radial also?? cool.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

It’s not radial-I do reverse the frames to get both sides. I purchased this one from Amazon just last year. I used a hand-cranked one from Mann Lake prior to that. amzn.to/3t8Ygfa

[@AjayRaval-ss7nn]

🎉🎉 good job Hani my india Hani trenig Ni 27 sp

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thank you for watching!!

[@xiyaanemsolih8029]

How do I buy from you I'm from the Maldives

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I am not yet set up to sell online, but if you are interested you can send me an email: [e-mail]

[@InFltSvc]

Do you sell online?

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I'm not currently set up to sell online, but I hope to soon. I could ship it to you. If you are interested, you can send me an email: [e-mail]

[@badrinaghavi4317]

How can buy your product I am living in Dallas Texas

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I’m not set up to sell online, but you can send me an email and we’ll set something up. [e-mail]

[@fincarosa6767]

Volume was so low I could finish this.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I’m sorry you couldn’t finish the video. I am working on that because I know it has been a problem. You could try turning up the volume.

[@fincarosa6767]

@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn I never thought of that!!! Its uo all the way on my phone ....

[@BarryFlo58]

Why don't you just use a clearer board with a one way escape in, you can then just lift the full box without any bees and any fuss

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I have often thought of trying that but I've never pursued it. Thanks for the nudge.

[@BarryFlo58]

Works a treat and a lot easier than going through every frame, just remember not to leave it in place for longer than needed or you will get a lot of robber bees emptying your supers, tell tale sign of this is lots of cappings at the entrance to the hive that have fallen down after the robbers have uncapped the cells@@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn

[@1happystuff]

How do I buy some honey?

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I am not set up to sell online at this time, but if you send me an email, we can make arrangements: [e-mail]

[@calebjackson5698]

Video is great, audio way to low. Can't hear halfway through.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

My apologies. I have been working on improving that. Thanks for the feedback!

[@AjayRaval-ss7nn]

May lengvej Hu madu majhi Ni drenig માં ggayo hato

[@harrysollmer1644]

Why don't you reverse it like Japanese do it gets both ways

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I do reverse the frames halfway through and it really helps. I briefly showed it, but you might have missed it.

[@cagomei]

wow this has gotta be one of the most boring bee videos i have ever seen.

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

Thanks for watching!

[@creativechrisrachel4593]

@@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn please don't get discouraged many of us like your videos

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

@@creativechrisrachel4593 thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to say that. I understand my style may not be for everyone. I would rather have constructive feedback tho, so I can improve.

[@haroldcraver9697]

How can i buy some of ypur honey and honeycomb

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

I'm not set up to sell online, but if you send me an email: [e-mail] I can set up something.