Why We Prune Our Tomatoes | Beehive Update

[@ignaciaforteza7731]

Arielle my dear, you know so much it’s just amazing. Your youth and energy is enviable specially when you turn in years and the body aches when you overdo it in the garden. It’s very frustrating but, alas, one can only surrender. I admire you and a pleasure to follow your videos. Blessings🙏

[@jasongrgr]

We love that you put a blooper reel at the end of the videos. Unfortunately ours would be filled with to many choice words not suitable for public airing. You guys are doing a great job. Keep up the good work and best of luck.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Lost Sockeye Ranch Haha we also have to pass on some good ones! Thank you for the motivation!

[@jeanneamato8278]

Can’t get enough of you guys

[@jcbaily5559]

Wow, what an education I am getting from you all.....thanks so much!

[@arllysaltenbach5062]

Your cameras take wonderful pictures of the Landscspe and all animals. Can tell they are not cheep. Love all you take.

[@lindabolin9989]

I have been looking at alot of your post my husband ask me why am I wanting to make extra and freeze it I. Am thinking we live on farm and when bad weather can't run to store so extras in freeze. It will be good. But you two have me putting up extras to get threw winter.. Love to you two love watching how you live in alaska!! Makes me think a head to put things back for winter. Put zucchini bread in freeze made 5 loafs eat two others in freeze. Have three of use in our home daughter is 19 with Autism me ,husband.!!!

[@SurvivalLilly]

really nice channel. the greenhouse you built is plain awesome!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Survival Lilly Thank you! We are really enjoying the greenhouse so far so good!

[@wficklin]

When I plant tomatoes, I break off the bottom leaves and set the plants deeper. My experience shows that roots grow from the broken stems and make the plant stronger.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

NvArchitect, absolutely, we planted these in pretty deep to begin with and I totally agree they root along the stalk :)

[@JamesCouch777]

Y'all are very knowledgeable about so much. Love watching your progress.

[@kingrafa3938]

Love the garden tunnel's set up.

[@algigirl]

Melon and cucumber I read somewhere is a family of cucurbitae. In China they placed the hives in the poly tunnel in winter from snow and overwintering. Also in the summer they placed some in the poly tunnel where veges requires Pollination..

[@chaindrivecharlie]

Hi love your videos, been watching from the start👍. Talking about your bees and sugar water honey. Dont worry about it, it will be ate up and replaced during flow. You should plan for your bess to winter over in the green house. That would be the best bet, but not a guarantee. But it would give them better weather protection. And they should use less honey stores to survive winter. Love the bravery you have, but keep a smoker lit. It helps to calm them, and if you get stung. You can smoke the stung area to cover alarm pheromone. Keep up the good work, have a blessed summer!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

chaindrivecharlier, thank you for the pointers :)

[@leannecolephotography]

I kept reading that you had to prune your tomatoes but had no idea how. Your explanation and demonstration is the best I have seen. Thank you so much, I get it now.

[@redwoodgal]

I’m thinking about growing some determinate tomatoes next year (2022) and take a little break from all the heirlooms I grow. Actually, I share with all the old folks around here in our apartments. I’d like to get a bunch all at once. Do you recommend any of Johnny’s determinant tomato varieties? I need a good producer. Thanks an I just love you guys! I crack up watching your videos and am amazed at how much I learn through you. You folks have become my very favorite in these KZbin channels! All good energy come your way and stay!🥦🥒🌶🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🌶

[@donwehr80]

Greetings from West Virginia! My wife and I found you channel a few weeks ago and have enjoyed greatly your adventures! We have a farm and like you left a former life of aerospace engineering and are now 10 years here, debt free, off grid some of the time and raise most of our food and hunt deer and wild turkey. Agree strongly do not wait to chase your dream!!! We are both in our 70s and love it!

[@SocietyOfSensation]

You guys are making great progress in short time. Working with the bees without a full suit is really great. I used to only put on a hood, I get nervous when they start buzzing around my face. Really don't want to get stung around the eyes or lip. I had to start using full protection because turns out I'm allergic (fyi a lot of people only start getting allergic reactions after quite a few stings spread over a couple of seasons of beekeeping). It's good to get a sting here and there, they're not that bad but will learn you to respect the threat and mood of your hive. I don't have a lot of advice to give since you're so much farther up north than me and the climate is so different. Doing slow-motion movement when working with the bees is always recommended, they don't like fast, snappy movement. That fast panicked movement when you thought you were going to get stung is not the best reflex. Also, try not to stand in front of their entrance if you can help it. You're in their direct flightpath and may start triggering some alert pheromones. Really looking forward to seeing how the bees do that far up north.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

SocietyOfSensation, thank you :) I think it looked like I was standing at the front of the hives in the video but I do actually stand at the back. I appreciate your comment and recommendations and must say I completely agree! My reaction to jump is not good, I think I will probably use the smoker and jacket for hive inspections from now on just as a precaution. I have read as well that it is best to receive a few stings on occasion to not develop an allergic reaction. I will be sure to do updates on the hives as the season progresses.

[@terryjp3050]

Bees are truly amazing little creatures.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Terry JP we feel exactly the same way 😁

[@sandybeach4751]

I have been watching honey tree farm KZbin videos. So much to learn about bees.

[@williamjones3683]

from Spain love watching your channel you guys compliment each other Eric is a really thoughtful guy and love watching him prepare meals his Film Star wife is super gorgeous and I love watching her explaining things keep the videos coming guy's love you both Bill Jones La -Nucia Spain

[@30-06]

Mmm... living in Alaska off grid require a lot of work and knowledge... stay healthy and keep your spirits!

[@ignaciaforteza7731]

I do the same to my tomato’s. Incredible how they grow in Alaska!

[@sylviafoust9545]

2021, from North Carolina. Love your videos. I'm getting bees in Late March early April. I've learned so much from you all.

[@micheleharris2361]

I first found you in your current plans, but have been going back and watching from the beginning. I'm so enjoying seeing the areas you're in as I used to live near them, too. You're doing an amazing job getting the property going and thank you for sharing the journey with us. :D

[@smithfamilyhomestead1515]

Enjoyed the video. Given me a lot of good ideas. Your videos are like great refresher courses for me here in Arkansas. Big happy dog in shades!!

[@hariskertanegara]

Nice educating video about agriculture. Warm regard from Indonesia 🌱

[@OurCabinInThewoods]

Your the first person that talks about pruning the Tomatoes plants i do also. I also do pepper plants cut the tops off one time makes them very bushy.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Our Cabin In The woods, thank you for mentioning that, I haven't pruned the peppers but am going to look into it :)

[@thetraveler5798]

I will be following your results of your planting experiment . So far nice 👍🌞👌💚🔥✨🌠

[@beeamerica5024]

Good beekeeper I always pinch the suckers with my thumb and cut branches at bottom grown 38 tomatoes 1 year had tomatoes out my ears LOL

[@metalmartha2571]

Hey there, love your channel! really enjoy watching you build your Homestead! QuickTip for growing green beans and peas: soak the seeds for 12 to 24 hours prior to planting in the soil. This helps them get a quick start for Cooler Clements. Just how I’ve always done it in zone 2b Saskatchewan🤘🏻 cheers can’t wait to grow alongside in the spring. Stay warm, think warm thoughts🌴

[@BryanKilbourne007]

Just wanted to say hello from Wasilla, Alaska love your video's

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Bryan Kilbourne, Hello from Willow! Thank you for watching :)

[@craignash4736]

Thanks for taking time to share your knowledge. I m leaning a lot from you . Craig. Pa. Guy

[@naturallybalancedfarms]

I really enjoyed the bees🐝 I’ve been wanting bees so it’s really nice to see videos that are educational and not talked down too much.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Naturally Balanced Farms, they are wonderful! We love them so far, it was helpful to talk to a few local beekeepers when we were close to getting the bees :)

[@amykrell9984]

I didn't read all the comments, but don't go by months as to when you add supers. that last "big" colony looks like they could use one now. the rule usually is, if there is 8 frames covered by bees, you add a box. if they don't have room, they will swarm. I am in pa, and it had been raining and I wasn't able to get into my hives for one week, and one of ours swarmed. again, sorry if this is a repeat comment..you guys are so busy and getting so much done! great job!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Amy Krell, that is what I was thinking too, because half their frames are foundationless only about 6 or so frames at that time had drawn comb and brood so I was thinking wait a little longer? But I definitely do want to intercept a swarm.

[@DYLAN-qm5dd]

Love your videos

[@teresadove6046]

Hey guys! We planted dry shelling beans this year too -- first time! Territorial Seed, Black (Coco) beans, Cranberry beans and Yin-Yang beans. I'm excited too! They are just sprouting up.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Teresa Dove, that is awesome!! You already know my feelings on Territorial Seed Co ❤

[@jasoninrikes1925]

I learn a lot from u guys.. keep sharing.. thank you so much and god bless 👌🏻👍🏻

[@bettinah.7429]

Look at you, no suit or hat while doing the bees!! 🐝 Your garden and green house are looking better and better!!

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

Yes you get better growth from pinching suckers. I do and I get 8 9 foot plants in my cages with plenty big tomatoes. You can also take the bigger suckers and plant them for a late plant or fill in where some plants may have died.

[@ElTelBaby]

... @ 5:42 when ye placed a bunch up 2 the camera. Dam I lent forward 2 smell them ...

[@gabrielezvegan7887]

I love your videos. You are so great 💚

[@hoangtu69]

Another great video. Even though Eric is the main cook but you are the main grower 😀. I read that horizontal hive is better than the vertical one because you don’t have to lean over a lot hurting your back. Also it’s easier to maintain with the horizontal hive so even disabled people can maintain horizontal hive sitting in their wheelchair

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

J D, yes I saw that, I don't quite know how to go about it but that seems like a wonderful way to keep bees. I went with medium hive bodies right off the bat to help with less weight.

[@hoangtu69]

Here’s a good video about horizontal hive kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3ezYmqMmtB2nrM

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Thank you! Wonderful video.

[@jwall62]

wow, I have binged watched 105 videos already? It's only been a week! 7-22-2021

[@AlmostHomestead]

I'm always impressed with your knowledge guys. The garden is looking great. I think I over watered our tomatoes last year. I pruned them but didn't remove early flowers. Thanks for that tip. You are brave to go without the bee suit or hat. I don't think I could do it. Beautiful bee Pendant. Haha!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Almost Homestead, there are many vegetables that we haven't mastered growing by any means, stay tuned for failures...tomatoes is one we seem to have good luck with every year once I started pruning them although I know many people have success without pruning, from what I remember they are pretty hardy when it comes to not being watered, we didn't water more than once a week with the soil we had back home :)

[@johnarmlovesguam]

Your tomatoes and bees look good. A flap along the outside bottom of the high tunnel will divert rain/snow melt from washing your fill away. I plant my bananas succession for the same reason. You don't need a bee-keeper suit. Easy does it. Good job.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

John Armstrong, that is a great idea! :)

[@sailme2day]

great update on garden and bees. Yep you are on the way to becoming a honey whisperer. Looks like you are going to need lots more shelves and storage for canning come end of summer :) Maybe build a raised platform with another 55 gal barrel for water storage for the garden and greenhouse ? The green house fan window venting. Consider making a simple plywood blank, hung on a few angled nails and with 2 fan size holes in it . It is more efficient to mount 2 fans to exhaust air out than having one blowing in and one on the exhaust side. For large volumes of air , I do not know the amp draw , used hvac blower ( 110 volt) . Maybe control with a rheostat or ... like I did on my wood stove fan. I took an extension cord and wired it in line with a house attic fan switch . So it only operates based on air temperature needs( adjustable) . So not running when not needed. Home depot or lowes should sell them and you can use for the wood stove fan in the winter :) second thought maybe a 12 volt auto radiator fan , with a snap thermostat ? Or Car parts store sell adjustable thermostats for radiator cooling fans , or might have to order one. Just some old man ideas that might help keep it simple on your Alaska farm ? Those invertor generators are NICE , fuel sipper. Keep the sharing and teaching coming , your journey is a healthy one for others to learn from. Did you find the truck radiator / cooling leak ?

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

william savage, thank you for the suggestions! We did have to have the water pump replaced a few months back, Eric found the leak and had noted radiator fluid leaking for a few years, unfortunately it was time to change it.

[@sailme2day]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska those toyota trucks rule ! :)

[@sailme2day]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska Here is a fun educational channel that might keep all your engines running 365 days a year up north :) Worth watch also the yet to be shared FINAL :)kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIGvo56khctmetE

[@ShansBackyardGarden]

Great information!

[@ericabrown4703]

You guys are so inspiring. Thank you for shring your journey with us. What resources are your favorite for beginning gardners?

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

erica brown I personally used the internet as a major source of information for us, I watched other youtube channels (MIgardener and Charles Dowding), I purchased a few books and primarily referred to one of the most wonderful resources I think that we were fortunate to live by, Territorial Seed Co in Cottage Grove. Generally figuring out your hardiness zone and going from there will help you, we then started focusing on soil health and what crops we wanted to grow. There is so much to learn but I think the most important part is to have fun!

[@ontariohomestead7135]

Bees can be great I love my hives

[@EastMesaUrbanHomestead]

I like all the knowledge you have 😂

[@jeffg3575]

Hi have you got your supers ready for when the honey starts rolling in, in the UK the supers start to fill at the end of may/ June, with three hives you will need a minimum of 9 supers and possibly up to 12 to 15, the first year I started beekeeping I was totally unprepared I had to buy 6 second hand supers, and madly got to work on making and fitting out 6 others, the second year I was a bit better prepared but you'll never have enough supers and swarm boxes. Now is the time to start looking for Queens to stop any swarms, the hives look about 3 to five weeks away from swarming and remember the bees do not read the same books as we do, they do their own thing.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

jeff g, thank you for the tips, I do need to add another hive body soon. Our honey flow is July here atleast that is what I have been told and I do have quite a few extra supers, hopefully enough :)

[@PaullaWells]

Such good info! Thanks!

[@maxitouring]

Just one thing about pruning, it's best to just break them off by hand, cutting them runs the risk of infecting the plant with pathogens from the tool

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Maxi Touring, thank you for the reminder. For some reason I grabbed pruners for the video, I generally use my hands :)

[@ramz1455]

If I'm pruning tomatoes, I disinfect my cutting tool. You can prune the baby stems by hand but thicker stems must be with a cutting tool otherwise you can rip the skin and leave a wound for best or pathogens to go in.

[@tallcedars2310]

I have one indeterminate Rapunzel cherry tomato plant in the greenhouse and it's growing crazy wild. Did this as an experiment and next year will try your pruning method as I will be adding two more plants. More space will be needed for them to grow...tiny greenhouse:) Since you have chickens, have you tried chicken compost as an inoculant? Got that tip from somewhere and works great.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Tall Cedars we typically do use chicken manure in the garden and compost pile 😀

[@tallcedars2310]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska Good to hear you are not buying inoculant any longer:) Amazing how many things we purchase and they are right there on our own property. You two are learning fast, took me 50 years before I heard that tip!

[@Crystal-xt4yt]

Hey guys, you two are the coolest. Love watching what you guys do. Just wondering what powder did you spread on top of the plants before you watered? We need to add to our garden when transplanting our seedlings. Thank you for the great videos.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Crystal Bray I believe it was granular fertilizer, I like Down To Earth, the white powder is mycorrhizae 😀

[@royhubbard6579]

Where in the world are Y’all gonna put all that produce? I bet it’s great bartering material! Love Your videos!

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Roy Hubbard, hopefully we will have plently for fresh eating and lots to preserve :)

[@theanekj.channel8336]

Nice video. I enjoyed watching. New friend here

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Anek J. Channel, thanks for watching :)

[@Jim_woods]

Good afternoon

[@kenshores9900]

Good video. Do you have a hive tool? You should always smoke your bees when you go in the hive. The smoke calms the bees. I though it took 2 years before you could harvest honey. They will really need the honey they are making now to go through the winter. The hive tool will let you prey out frames and separate parts that are stuck together.

[@kenshores9900]

Keep up the good work. The world needs bees.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Ken Shores I now have a little paint scraper as my hive tool and have been using smoke when checking the hives. We won't be taking any honey this year ☺

[@SeanInAlaska]

Braver than I am with those bees! LOL.....tomatoes look wonderful! Do you folks brew a compost tea for your plants?

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Sean In Alaska, we previously did in Oregon, we had a 35 gallon set up with an awesome pump that we sold just before leaving :( We may look into a smaller set up for here.

[@SeanInAlaska]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska I used a 5 gallon bucket and a small fish tank aerator for mine, that stuff did WONDERS!

[@da.2736]

Don't worry about the capped sugar water. You really won't want to harvest any honey the first year you have them. They need all of it to start off their second year strong so then during that second year you could achieve a legitimate honey harvest.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Daniel L. Thank you, I am going to do an update and agree we are not taking any honey from them this year ☺

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Is a tractor in the future for you guys? I’m. It going to lie, I’ve been eyeballing one. I just hate to spend that much money. The garden is looking great. Does the fans put a big draw on your batteries? Dancing bees 🐝 The bees are super cool. Bold move not wearing a suit. I’d have my pants and sleeves duct taped. 😂

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

My Alaska Dream No tractor for us just good old fashion manual labor haha! No the fans are not too bad at all and with just using them when it's hot and the sun is shining it is working out pretty well.

[@itstheblessing]

I just found you and soooo glad I did ! I really enjoyed this video and great information . I am planting cucumbers for the first time this year and wonder if you have any tips for me here in WA. state . What state are you living in ? Blessin'gs , Linda

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

itstheblessing, Hi Linda we are in Alaska but moved from Oregon which is probably a similar climate to Washington although maybe less rain. Cucumbers like warmer temps, they did well outside in Oregon as I imagine they would there, I generally plant them 4-6 inches apart but that is because we trellis them as well, I usually put an all purpose fertilizer and some compost when I transplant them. I have read they do not appreciate overhead watering or transplanting but we never had an issue with that, they can get powdery mildew at the end of the season too. We wish you the best of luck :)

[@itstheblessing]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska Thank you again for the help . Well wish me luck I will give it a go and enjoying it so much . Now if I can just figure out what is eating my Rattle Snake Bean's . Just put them put and boy are they full of holes ! Could it be slug's or ?? This is my first year at all of this and I have much to learn . Have a wonderful season and blessing's to you and your family , Linda

[@gkkes]

Bees, without a suit. Always gentle and wear light clothing, and never after eating banana. Beekeeping is a wonderful thing.

[@michaelcoghlan5521]

gkkes why not the banana? I’m intrigued !!

[@nukeyourhouse]

I admire how you live. If I had the space and a did t have a 60 hour a week job I'd love to give it a try.

[@bohemiangypsy99]

Your gardens are looking amazing guys. I was always taught to prune my tomatoes too. They will waste too much energy if the lower suckers and branches are still attached plus if tomatoes do grow on the lower branches then you run the chance of them sitting in the soil and getting infected by grubs and or insects. I, too was always taught to pinch the suckers etc by hand and not to use scissors or other cutting implements. I love the smell of my hands when I go through the plants and start pinching off. Nothing beats the smell of homegrown tomatoes. If you buy them from the supermarket there seems to be no life in them and you can never smell that tomato smell. Ariel you were so game going into the hives without your protective gear on lol. I could never do that as I have no idea if I am allergic to bees or not as I have never been stung before hehehe. Keep up the excellent work and stay safe. Michelle

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

bohemiangypsy99, that's impressive you've never been stung by a bee! I LOVE that tomato smell as well :) I usually use my hands for removing the suckers I think I grabbed pruners for the video for some reason.

[@danieldeanmasterfinisher4715]

You can cross pollinate your Watermelons with cucumbers, so you can have Huge cucumbers 🥒 or small watermelon 🍉 don’t plant then too close to each other or the Bees will do it for you.

[@itstheblessing]

One more thing please , I have limited garden space and planted tomatoes and bush beans (Contenders) . I have planted beans closer together then I would like and same with tomatoes.How far apart do you plant ? I did grow some beans in a whisky barrow last year but find in the garden I got more beans . Thanks for any tips you may give to me . Have a blessed day , Linda

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

itstheblessing, Hi Linda I too planted our tomatoes closer than ideal, if you are not pruning them to one stalk I would say at least 2 feet, probably more, ours are about 1 foot but I will be managing leaves, having fans in the high tunnel and trellising them straight up. For green beans I would say 2 inches between seeds should be fine, we have never spaced these far apart and they just go straight up but there are different varieties and if you are planting bush beans they would need quite a bit more space in between :)

[@itstheblessing]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska Thank you so much for the tip's . I had just found your video's and so glad I did . Blessing's , Linda

[@RonSafreed]

Interesting, beans can dry in the subartic climate of Alaska? So its possible for beans to dry out naturally or do you have to uproot the usually bush types & hang them upside down? I thought only fresh & shelled fresh beans could only grow in the shorter season? Maybe in ever shorter season areas only fresh beans can grow?

[@mickemike2148]

I noticed that seven people don't like veggies. Bet they are kids!

[@jaredcolahan759]

What is the brown powder you are applying on top of the seeds? BTW beautiful set up.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Jared Colahan that was granular fertilizer, we use a blend from Down To Earth.

[@rodin390]

👍🏻🌱

[@ravenousjm]

The bee handling without protection made me anxious! Being allergic to bee's and having been swarmed in the past I think your crazy lol.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

ravenousjm, I have this dream of being able to work with them with no gear although I am sure realistically that will be won't be the case. Absolutely wouldn"t recommend if you are allergic! I'm sorry to hear you have been swarmed, I definitely wasn't as relaxed about them the first day :)

[@ravenousjm]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska New nickname, the The bee whisperer? Excited to see how well they produce.

[@sidedish4279]

Do you leave the door open for bees to pollinate? Or hand pollinate?

[@tinawhalen1]

Beans really don't need any help, they grow no matter what. And produce like mad!

[@windowclean100]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@stephanie2314]

whatsthe powder you use before transplant

[@vann8414]

What did you use to inoculate your peas?

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Van N it is an inoculant we purchased from Territorial Seed Co, I believe it is a strain of bacteria to aid in legume growth but which bacteria I am not certain.

[@klazyy641]

I haven't read all the comments but what are you doing to prevent a honey hungry bear from ambling by and swiping your goodies? Electric fence? Moat? 10 foot steel cage around the hives? What? lol

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

KlazyY, we would really like to extend the electric fence over there and haven't primarily because bears are not all that common in the neighborhood and other beekeepers seem to get away without fencing. I know it's risky but I do plan to have fencing out there in the future.

[@jeffg3575]

Hi Why are you using supers as the main box, if the bees feel restricted or hot they will swarm, you can bring the hive on quickly by feeding a week sugar syrup, so they can draw out the honeycomb. We used big supers on our hives but they got too heavy, as we got older, a standard super should hold 30 lbs a big super will hold 40 lbs +

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

jeff g, less weight and having all the hive boxes the same were our primary reasons for medium hive bodies.

[@abednasr2284]

While working with tomato's, don't touch your eyes, after all wash your hands.

[@deelg8344]

Hi I just subscribed to your channel! Thank you for sharing all of your experiences; It is very invaluable especially for those who are looking to a change of lifestyle. Wow, I never knew it gets that hot in Alaska..I have a question that will help me in making my next move..Why did you chose Alaska verses Oregon.. is it because of weather or maybe population advantages?

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Diedre Leon Guerrero we primarily chose Alaska for the recreational opportunities it could provide us with, weather and the cost of real estate. Thanks for watching :)

[@unitedwestand5100]

Your climate slows the bees as well, but all in all, your hives look healthy. You should mark your queens. After her mating flight your queen will not leave the hive. Ever! Her one function in life is producing brood. She does not gather pollen. She will only live and stay productive for about 4 years, so you should mark her and keep track of her. If she leaves it is only because she quits being productive or is injured. Then the hive will force her to leave or kill her. If she leaves others will swarm with her. They will produce new queen cells first. If your queen is young, healthy, and productive you should kill all new queens before they emerge from the queen cells.

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

United we Stand, thank you. I do hope the same queen sticks around, I believe the Russians may be more likely to swarm but not positive, the cold climate is a hurdle here of course.

[@2e0lgz]

No gooseberrys?

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Gary uk there are so many wild berries that grow in Alaska that we really didn't want to plant them but we did plant raspberries and haskaps for a privacy barrier ☺

[@tiagotj1555]

is there bears in your area?

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

tiago tj, yes there are black and brown bears although they don't seem to be common in this neighborhood.

[@angelasamells3511]

Can you grow rhubarb there?

[@dvybryson7300]

Do bears destroy your unprotected beehives?

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

DVY Bryson we are about to put an update out and answer that question, we have not had issues with bears as of now.

[@Bugatti-rh1ds]

i do not prune my tomatoes

[@bigh650]

I never Prune my tomatoes - I want all that I can get

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

bigh650, I totally understand that as well, we never did until a couple years ago.

[@michelleberthold6270]

Not just anyone removes gloves like that ,?RN

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Michelle Berthold close, dental hygiene 😀

[@michelleberthold6270]

@@SimpleLivingAlaska greetings from a RN in SOUTH AFRICA

[@MrOverdogg]

talking with the hands is not a good idea around bees..i'm just saying