Beekeeping Video Tutorials

Welcome to our curated collection of beekeeping video tutorials! Whether you’re a visual learner or just want to see beekeeping techniques in action, these videos will provide valuable insights into the art and science of beekeeping.

Featured Playlist

We’ve put together a comprehensive playlist covering various aspects of beekeeping. From getting started to advanced techniques, these videos will help you on your beekeeping journey.

Beekeeping Essentials Playlist

What You’ll Learn

Our video series covers essential topics including:

Honey Harvesting Techniques

Harvesting honey is one of the most rewarding aspects of beekeeping. This guide will walk you through the process of harvesting honey safely and efficiently while ensuring the health of your colony.

When to Harvest

Timing Considerations

• Harvest only when honey is fully capped (80-90% of cells)
• Choose a warm, sunny day
• Best time is mid-morning to early afternoon
• Avoid rainy or highly humid conditions
• Consider local nectar flow patterns

Signs of Ready-to-Harvest Honey

• Cells are capped with white wax
• Frames feel heavy
• Honey passes the “shake test” (doesn’t splash out)
• Moisture content below 18.5%

Essential Equipment

Protective Gear

• Full bee suit
• Gloves
• Boots
• Veil

Harvesting Tools

• Smoker
• Hive tool
• Bee brush
• Fume board or bee escape
• Clean buckets
• Uncapping tools
• Extractor
• Strainer
• Storage containers

The Harvesting Process

Step 1: Preparing for Harvest

1. Put on protective gear
2. Light smoker
3. Prepare clean equipment
4. Choose appropriate weather conditions

Step 2: Removing Bees from Honey Supers

1. Use smoke sparingly
2. Install bee escape board (24 hours before)
3. Or use fume board with bee repellent
4. Brush remaining bees gently
5. Cover removed supers to prevent robbing

Step 3: Extracting the Honey

1. Transport supers to extraction area
2. Remove frames
3. Uncap cells
4. Place in extractor
5. Extract gradually, increasing speed
6. Collect honey in food-grade containers

Step 4: Filtering and Storage

1. Strain through coarse filter
2. Then use fine filter if desired
3. Let settle to remove air bubbles
4. Store in airtight containers
5. Keep in cool, dry place

Best Practices

Maintaining Quality

• Keep extraction area clean
• Use food-grade equipment
• Monitor moisture content
• Store properly
• Label with harvest date

Colony Care

• Leave adequate honey for bees
• Check colony strength after harvest
• Feed if necessary
• Monitor for robbing behavior
• Reduce entrance if needed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Harvesting Too Early

The Complete Seasonal Beekeeping Guide

Successful beekeeping requires understanding and working with the natural cycles of your honey bee colonies. Each season brings its own challenges and opportunities, and knowing what to expect helps you provide the best care for your bees.

Spring (March - May)

Spring is a crucial time for colony development and sets the stage for the entire beekeeping year.

Early Spring Tasks

• Clean and prepare equipment
• Perform first hive inspection when temperatures reach 55°F (13°C)
• Check for queen presence and brood patterns
• Monitor food stores
• Clean bottom boards
• Replace old or damaged frames

Mid-Spring Tasks

• Add honey supers as needed
• Monitor for swarm cells
• Implement swarm prevention measures
• Begin mite monitoring and treatment if necessary
• Feed pollen substitute if needed

Late Spring Tasks

• Continue adding supers
• Make splits if desired
• Monitor for queen cells
• Check for disease symptoms
• Ensure adequate space for colony growth

Summer (June - August)

Summer is the peak season for honey production and requires careful management to maintain healthy colonies.

Are you interested in starting your beekeeping journey? Beekeeping can be a rewarding hobby that connects you with nature while providing delicious honey and supporting local ecosystems. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started on the right foot.

Essential Equipment for Beekeeping

Every beekeeper needs certain tools and equipment to properly care for their hives:

Hive Components

• Hive Stand: Keeps your hive off the ground, providing protection from pests and moisture
• Bottom Board: The floor of the hive
• Brood Boxes: Where the queen lays eggs and the brood develops
• Honey Supers: Where bees store excess honey for you to harvest
• Frames and Foundation: Pre-formed sheets that guide bees to build straight combs
• Inner Cover: Provides insulation and ventilation
• Outer Cover: Protects the hive from the elements

Protective Gear

• Bee Suit or Jacket: Protects your body from stings
• Veil: Protects your face and neck
• Gloves: Protects your hands
• Boots: Closed-toe, high-top footwear prevents bees from accessing your legs

Tools

• Smoker: Calms bees during hive inspections
• Hive Tool: Essential for prying apart hive components
• Bee Brush: Gently removes bees from frames during inspections or harvesting
• Feeder: For supplemental feeding when necessary

Selecting the Perfect Location for Your Hives

The location of your hives significantly impacts the health and productivity of your colonies: