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I have booked on an II course and are looking into some options regarding the CO2 part of the setup. I am sure we will be advised on the course but in the meantime I am trying to get my head round a few things. Would be grateful if those with experience have any advice and tips regarding...

After some impulsive grafting last week I have a fairly good supply of some lovely queen cells. More than I need. As I don't really want to start up mini-nucs this time of year due to the amount of wasps around and time constraints I was thinking of requeening a few of my other hives that still...

I usually just place the queen cells straight from the cell finisher into the mating hives when ready, but I am thinking of using the hair roller cages just in case I am delayed for a day or so, as work is a bit hectic at the moment and I am worried I might not be able to get to them when...

Just wondering........... If you treat for Nosema with Thymolated syrup, by spraying it on the frames : Do you just use the normal strength you give in Autumn? I presume you remove any supers, so when can you put them back? Many thanks.

Being new to an out-apiary, where my bees appear to have settled well and are finding plenty of nectar, I have never had any dealings with spraying. The farmer phoned me tonight and they are speaking to fields of wheat about 100m and 250m from the apiary with a Fungicide, he doesn't know the...

Could any of you plant experts please tell me what sort of nectar flow bees get from Laurel trees? Many of them around, in full flower, and nectar coming in, but I don't see any bees on the flowers. Would just be interesting to know. Many thanks for any replies.

Due to two family members having really bad reactions to beestings I very reluctantly have to stop being a beekeeper for the time being. I cannot do the out-apiary-thing. I have 3 colonies on Nationals (One 14x12 incredible strong with a super almost filled and another two added yesterday, one...

Mini-plus hive I have had some of these hives for quite a few seasons and use them mainly for getting queens mated and keeping spare queens in (including overwintering them). I have just bought two more as I think they do the job well, I enjoy working them and like the small footprint they have...

Thanks to the advice on the forum I now have a bucket full of soft-set honey that tastes pretty good, and is nice and smooth. I am very happy with it, as I have never made it before. I don't want to mess it up and was just wondering about jarring it. As it is there is now way it could be...

Thanks to a bit of luck on eb@y and a very good honey crop I am the proud new owner of an electric extractor. Before I take my old one to the tip I thought I would see if somebody wanted it. Got it with my first Beekeeping on a Budget hive from Th@rnes about 6 years ago. It is plastic...

I thought I would just show you how the bees in my one Nuc have closed down the entrance. There are literally only two bee-sized little holes left. You can see two bees entering the hive. I winter a few Nucs every year and have never seen this before. No attempts at robbing seen, and they are...

What a good article in this month's BBKA News by John Whitaker. Amidst all the doom and gloom it's really refreshing to see somebody has such a positive view on bees and beekeeping.

I have seen a few comments about these cover boards, and quite enjoy being able to see what the bees get up to without disturbing them. The ones that come with the hives are flimsy though. Does anybody know where I can buy some? I know it's readily available in custom dimensions and various...

Hatched this morning.

I simply have too many bees for my back garden, and need to get my apiary sorted out before I go on holiday in a few weeks. So I have a National hive of bees available, was laid up end to end last Thursday. I removed two frames of capped brood and replaced with empty comb. Queen mated May...

Just been out for a walk with the dog in the woods . Heard a screeching noise and investigated - saw two Barn Owl fledglings sitting on a branch peering down on us. They seemed inquisitive and checked us out very well. Sorry about the poor photo - it was almost dark and I only had my phone with...

This year I have become more acutely aware of the plants that may be providing my bees with nectar. My hives are in my back garden in the middle of suburban Hampshire. We have plenty of Sweet Chestnut and Lime as well as brambles around. But, I often see bees on garden flowers whilst out walking...

Does anybody have an idea what this plant is called? Just saw it on my way back from the pub, and it looks like bees might like it......