Beekeeping

It's getting close to honey harvest time, and time to help our bee colonies get prepared for the long, cold winter.

With my beekeeping reputation on the line, I was hoping for at least two of my three hives to make it through the winter.

Only four weeks after we added bees to our hives, they have doubled in size, the bees are drawing comb, and the queen is laying lots of eggs.

The spring honey harvest is complete, and it yielded some of the tastiest honey Pete has ever produced.

Monday's beehive inspection revealed some surprises, both good and bad. We've got supers on two hives and are making honey for our spring harvest.

The bees are overflowing! Time to create some more splits to prevent swarming. I also add a nuc to bolster my bee's genetics.

From surviving winter hive losses to the threat of domestic sleeper cells, being prepared includes spring chores and self-defense.

I have plenty of bees, but little honey. We are all waiting for something to bloom besides wildflowers and clover so the honey flow can start.

I started the year with two beehives that successfully overwintered. After splitting the hives, I now have five with a six on the way.

Rural life isn't easy, but it can be interesting and challenging. This weekend proves the point, from contaminated water to animal rescues.