Beekeeping - Short and Sweet
A beekeeping podcast for inquisitive beekeepers with a short attention span. Hosted by Stewart Spinks, a bee farmer, YouTuber, and beekeeping mentor who shares insights and tips with thousands of beekeepers worldwide through his social media channels.
Episodes
Episode 406: Wet and Dry Supers
In this week's Podcast: It’s almost the time of year when you might hear a lot of talk about supers, particularly wet or dry supers, today I’ll explain what they are and how you can store them ready for reuse next time.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 406 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they cost you nothing and help us con
Episode 405: Time For Honey Extraction
In this week's Podcast: Time drifts on by, and the end of the Summer nectar flow draws ever closer for me. Time for a quick apiary summary and then off to the honey room to look at this year’s extraction set up.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 405 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they cost you nothing and help us continue to
Episode 404: Go With The Flow
In this week's Podcast: Brood Breaks, The end of the nectar flow, and the first sighting of wasps in the apiaries. All mean one thing, for me, here in Norfolk, it looks likely the Summer honey production phase of the season is over. Maybe it’s time to turn my attention to extraction.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 404 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us thro
Episode 403: Time For The Splits
In this week's Podcast: July is a great time to make up any splits that you want for overwintered nucleus colonies. For me, I’m taking a slightly different approach this year.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 403 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they cost you nothing and help us continue to produce our content.Old Castle Farm
Episode 402: Hottest Inspections Ever!
In this week's Podcast: It won’t have gone unnoticed that this week has been quite warm! The UK’s Hottest June day ever, set not so far away from me, and, on that day, I had to carry out several inspections. It felt like someone had thrown a bucket of hot water over me while I was wearing my bee suit!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 402 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Plea
Episode 401: Happy Father's Day
In this week's Podcast: Happy Father’s Day, and, I have a question for you, and it’s one not just for the Dad’s out there. Have any of your colonies become hopelessly queen less this season, more than in previous years? We’ve had quite a number of nucs that have now become hopelessly queen less. Luckily, I’m queen rearing!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 401 of my podcast, Beekeepin
Episode 400: Honey Production Colonies
In this week's Podcast: Episode four hundred, who would have thought it. And we celebrate by being chased away from the apiaries by some very heavy rain showers. It’s all going to change though as we head into some warmer weather and with it the start of the Summer nectar flow.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 400 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught a
Episode 399: Mind The Gap!
In this week's Podcast: We're well on our way towards the Summer solstice, now that we're in the month of June and colonies in all apiaries are building well. Nucleus colonies have surprised me over at the fishing lakes, but I've also found a number of colonies that are on a brood break, could this be as a result of the June Gap?Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 399 of
Episode 398: Queen Rearing Questions
In this week's Podcast: Lots of beekeeping happening this week, the weather has cooled, just a little, and I’ve been asked some questions about my preferred method of queen rearing and asked my views on Summertime moving of bees.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 398 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they cost you nothing and h
Episode 397: Heatwave Beekeeping!
In this week's Podcast: It’s all change, the colder weather of just a week ago has suddenly shifted into a weekend heatwave and that could put beekeepers at risk. Time to be sensible and avoid opening up our bee hives during those very hot periods in the day.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 397 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links belo
Episode 396: Slowly Drawn Comb
In this week's Podcast: The cooler weather has definitely caused our colonies to slow down the wax production, that’s had a knock on effect in getting foundation drawn as comb, and the downturn in temperature has also meant grumpy bees!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 396 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they cost you nothin
Episode 395: Rain Delays Inspections
In this week's Podcast: Wouldn’t you just know it, on the one day I really needed to carry out some inspections, it’s rained. It was cold, and it just kept raining all morning, the result, next day, yep, swarming!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 395 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they cost you nothing and help us continue
Episode 394: Spring Honey Crop
In this week's Podcast: The weather has been typically Spring like, warmer days, but with chilly nights. The double brood method has worked well in managing Spring growth and the Spring Honey Crop is growing nicely.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 394 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they cost you nothing and help us continu
Episode 393 More Swarms and Nectar Flows
In this week's Podcast: It’s been yet another swarmy week with another two collected from my own apiaries. We have a nectar flow at the farm, and I’m using that to draw out more frames of foundation.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 393 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they cost you nothing and help us continue to produce our
Episode 392: Colony Spring Growth
In this week's Podcast: Swarm number two safely collected, and it was a big one! If you’re collecting swarms, always go with a bigger box than you think you’ll need, stay tuned to hear why!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 392 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they cost you nothing and help us continue to produce our content.N
Episode 391: April Showers & Cold Inspections
In this week's Podcast: We’re off and running and in April, that means very changeable weather, intermittent showers, and some chilly inspections days. I had this just yesterday and although the bees behaved themselves, they certainly let you know you’re not welcome. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 391 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate l
Episode 390: Spring Stings and Swarms
In this week's Podcast: My plans for a gentle stroll into Spring were thrown off track this week when I received a call telling one of my colonies had swarmed. It was just the 2nd of April, too late for an April Fool’s joke, and so my season begins! Listen in for the full story and my surprise at feeling my first, new season sting!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 390 of my podcast,
Episode 389: A Cold March Week
In this week's Podcast: Well the week of warmer weather has suddenly turned cold and with it, a halt to my early inspections. We’re always busy though and with that in mind, I’ve been back to the workshop catching up on Spring preparations.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 389 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they cost you no
Episode 388: The Excitement of First Inspections
In this week's Podcast: First inspections, such an exciting moment in the season. An opportunity to have a quick look, at how our colonies have coped with the long winter months. This is just what I did during the week and it was a mixed bag as ever!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 388 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they c
Episode 387: First Spring Inspections
In this week's Podcast: Early inspections are just around the corner and with it, an opportunity to see how our colonies have fared over the Winter months. If you do take a look, do you know what you’re looking for? Listen in to hear what I think you should be checking out.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 387 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affil
Episode 386: Shook Swarm & Bailey Comb Change
In this week's Podcast: As we head into Spring beekeepers will, no doubt, be contemplating various techniques to use on their hives to maximise the seasons honey crop. Techniques such as the Shook Swarm and Bailey Comb Change are useful ways of replacing comb and reducing pests and disease loading in your hive.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 385 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and
Episode 385: The Demaree or Split Board Method
In this week's Podcast: The Demaree method, honestly, I’ve always failed with it, on the other hand, my version using a split board is so much more effective and reliable. An important consideration for me when our seasons can be so short.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 385 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they cost you not
Episode 384: The Artificial Swarm
In this week's Podcast: It won’t be long before the early March Sunshine arrives and many beekeepers will start to stress a little, or maybe a lot, over their colonies swarming. The Artificial Swarm is an excellent method of managing this busy time of the season and, actually, it’s a really simple process that sometimes confuses. Hopefully today, I can take the mystery out of the technique fo
Episode 383: Beehive Spring Clean
In this week's Podcast: I talked about Nosema last week, and it got me thinking about the things I do to give my honeybees the very best opportunity at the start of the new season to produce a lovely crop of honey in the Summer. Let’s kick off with a more detailed look at the Spring Clean.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 383 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support u
Episode 382: Nosema 2026
In this week's Podcast: Nosema apis and Nosema Ceranae. Two, spore forming, parasitic Microsporidia! They sound like something of a horror show for our bees and the effects of a heavy infection can be quite damaging. Listen in as I explain what it is, how you can identify it, and ultimately deal with it, so your bees can have a healthy and productive Summer.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to
Episode 381: The Honey Room
In this week's Podcast: The past week has been all about the move home. I’m glad to say the office is getting there, but the honey room, well, that’s another story!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 381 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they cost you nothing and help us continue to produce our content.Hive Five Multi Guard Entr
Episode 380: A Successful Beekeeping Season
In this week's Podcast: We have a few weeks yet until the start of the new beekeeping season. How can I make sure this year is as successful for my bees and me as it can possible be? Stay tuned to hear my thoughts and plans.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 380 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate links below, they cost you nothing and help u
Episode 379: Buying a Honeybee Nucleus Colony
In this week's Podcast: We’ve had some sunny weather for a change, I’ve been able to get out to an Apiary full of nucleus colonies. So this week, as promised, my take on what to look out for if you’re thinking of buying a nucleus colony for the start of the new season.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 379 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support us throught affiliate
Episode 378: Snow Covered Apiaries
In this week's Podcast: With the recent appearance of snow in our apiaries there’s a belated Christmassy feel to the scene, not that it lasted very long at all for me here in Norfolk. We’ve been feeding warm fondant to some of our nucleus colonies and that’s triggered a social media response, listen in and I’ll explain exactly what I’ve been up to.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 37
Episode 377: My Beekeeping Plans 2026
In this week's Podcast: A very Happy New Year to you all. It's a chilly start to 2026 so I've stayed in the office and figured now would be a good time to spill the beans on my beekeeping plans for the coming year. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 377 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:Hive Five Multi Guard EntrancesBee
Episode 376 My Beekeeping Review 2025
In this week's Podcast: With just a few days left before Christmas I thought it an opportune moment to reflect back on the beekeeping year that was 2025. The highs, the lows and the ups and the downs! All feeding in to my plans for 2026.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 376 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:Hive Five Multi Guard
Episode 375: Don't Stop Hefting
In this week's Podcast: We’re well into December now, fast approaching the Winter Solstice, that shortest day of the year. Then we’re on the slow road back to Spring and all the fun that the warmer weather brings us, but what’s going on in our hives right now, here’s what I think……Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 375 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support our main
Episode 374: Pollen Microscopy for Beekeepers
In this week's Podcast: Happy December everyone, and with activity slowing down around the apiaries it’s an ideal time to dust down the microscopes and see what’s floating around in some of our honey samples.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 374 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:Hive Five Multi Guard EntrancesSome of my Favourite
Episode 373: Boiling Frames or Not?
In this week's Podcast: I’ve spent a bit of time at the workshop sorting through old super frames and trying to decide what’s the best way forward in terms of cleaning or not. Do we spend time and money boiling them, or is it better all round to consign them to the bonfire and start over?Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 373 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support ou
Episode 372: Rescuing a Colony?
In this week's Podcast: The colder weather is upon us and it now feels like it should in November! I’ve been out and about around our apiaries and decided to rescue a small colony rather than let them die. I’m not sure if this is sensible or just a waste of time and effort. Listen in for the full sorry saga.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 372 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Swe
Episode 371: Storm Claudia
In this week's Podcast: Storm Claudia hits and it feels like the rain will never stop. I’ve been having a go at building a hive and still haven’t been able to sort out my colony that’s been attacked by wasps. Here’s this week’s beekeeping updates.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 371 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:Hive Five Mu
Episode 370: Honeybee Pests and Diseases - Part 3
In this week's Podcast: Having discussed the more serious pests and diseases that can affect our colonies, it’s time to finish off our Varroa chat and conclude with some of the less problematic issues that we sometimes encounter.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 370 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:Hive Five Multi Guard Entrance
Episode 369: Pests and Diseases - Part 3
In this week's Podcast: With Autumn slipping away and Winter on the horizon my thoughts continue to be filled with helping our colonies survive to next Spring. Feeding is complete, Autumn treatments removed, but the challenge of the Varroa mite goes on. With that in mind, here’s part two of pests and diseases. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 369 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and
Episode 368: Pests and Diseases - Part 1
In this week's Podcast: After sharing my recent experiences with Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus I’ve had a number of requests to discuss, more widely, honeybee diseases. What to look out for and how they impact our honeybees. So, let’s kick off with possibly the nastiest ones of them all, the foul brood diseases!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 368 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and S
Episode 367: Destruction of a Honeybee Colony
In this week's Podcast: It’s a bit of a somber mood in the office today as it’s been a rather sad end to the week. I’ve carried out the colony destruction on the hive with a heavy infection of CBPV and in today’s podcast I’ll explain the process and what happens next.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 367 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Please support our main sponsor and ad
Episode 366: Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus
In this week's Podcast: After a year of seeing colonies relatively disease and pest free, our final checks of the season have revealed one colony with visible signs of Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus or CBPV as we abbreviate it. It’s not great but could become a lot worse, listen in to hear why.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 366 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Hive Five Mult
Episode 365: Treatment Removal and More Microscopy
In this week's Podcast: It’s been a busy week removing treatments from all of our hives now that we’ve reached the end of that particular phase of the season and I was delighted to see so many really strong colonies and nucs. It appears it was just in time as we feel the full force of Storm Amy.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 365 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Hive Five
Episode 364: Apiary Slowdown and Microscopes
In this week's Podcast: As we fast approach the end of September, feeding for some hives continues but others are weighty enough. With everything slowing down in the apiaries, my thoughts have turned to some honeybee microscopy and today I’ll kick off the season with the microscopes I use. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 364 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Hive Five Multi
Episode 363: Under Supering for Winter
In this week's Podcast: With treatments almost ready to come out of our hives, it’s time for me to start under supering, this technique, although not absolutely necessary and sometimes called Nadiring, is a simple and effective way to help your bees through Winter.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 363 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Hive Five Multi Guard EntrancesThe Nation
Episode 362: Asian Hornet Discussion
In this week's Podcast: I'm joined by beekeeper Chris Farrell who is currently battling the Asian Hornet alongside other beekeepers in Kent here in the UK.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 362 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Hive Five Multi Guard EntrancesAsian Hornet book by Sarah BunkerThe Beekeeper's Guide to Defences against the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet by A
Episode 361: Beekeeping Season Finale
In this week's Podcast: I was watching a TV Series recently and the last episode was called “The Season Finale”, well, rest assured, this isn’t my last podcast but it certainly feels like the season has drawn to a close as we bring our bees back from the Borage and discover a near starving colony.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 361 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Hive Fiv
Episode 360: Autumn Feeding
In this week's Podcast: As we carry out final inspections of the year, my thoughts turn to autumn feeding, the recent emergency feeding and how I’ve dealt with the needs of our colonies through the late Summer.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 360 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Hive Five Multi Guard EntrancesThe Nation Bee Unit can be found HEREHere are some links to the t
episode 359: H.I.H.M.S. Part 3
In this week's Podcast: This week, It’s the turn of my workshop to be scrutinised using my Honeybee Integrated Health Management System and my thoughts on why it might not be a good idea to remove dead colonies from your apiary too soon.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 359 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Hive Five Multi Guard EntrancesHere are some links to the type of equ
358: Starving Bees & H.I.H.M.S. Part 2
In this week's Podcast: Are your bees starving? Reports across the UK of colonies under attack from wasps and running out of food have been frequent recently. I hope to explain how to get some food into them simply and without fuss. Also, part two of my Honeybee Integrate Health Management System.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 358 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact
Episode 357: Integrated Pest Management Systems
In this week's Podcast: So it’s Varroa Treatment time once more, that is for many beekeepers around the UK. And it falls within the umbrella of what a lot of beekeepers would term an Integrated Pest Management System. These days, with my focus on bee health I like to call it a Honeybee Integrated Health Management System, listen in to hear why.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 357 of
Episode 356: Other Varroa Treatments
In this week's Podcast: With so many Varroa mite treatments out there it can be quite confusing, and not just for the beginner beekeeper. Today I’ll review a few of the other treatments available and hint about the importance of an Integrated Pest Management system for beekeepers that I would rename!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 356 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Conta
Episode 355: Autumn Treatments for Varroa
In this week's Podcast: The borage has been swathed, somewhat earlier this year than previously, so it’s time to bring home the honey crop and my mind turns to Autumn treatments for Varroa, but which one to choose from, there are so many. Listen in to hear my pick and why.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 355 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey C
Episode 354: Wasps and Borage
In this week's Podcast: Flying in to the UK after my break it was noticeable just how dry the countryside looks, we need some rain. My immediate thoughts were, had wasps destroyed my colonies and was there any honey from our trip to the borage.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 354 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyHive Five Multi Guard E
Episode 353: Bees to Borage 2025
In this week's Podcast: The heatwaves continue and that magical date for taking our bees to the borage pollination has arrived. Listen in to hear how we got on, and how we were surprised by a sudden downpour!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 353 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyHive Five Multi Guard EntrancesVMD Website: Click HEREJoin
Episode 352: Heatwave!
In this week's Podcast: The UK is set for it’s first heatwave of the year and with it comes the Summer nectar flow with our borage crop looking likely to be a couple of weeks early. The important thing to remember is to take care in the sun and keep well hydrated.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 352 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyHiv
Episode 351: Thunderstorms!
In this week's Podcast: The brambles are in full flower and the nectar is flowing. I always get a little more excited at this time of the year as it’s probably my favourite tasting honey. Supers are on to grab a crop while it lasts but my attention is now turning to the main event and that’s Borage pollination for us.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 351 of my podcast, Beekeeping Sho
Episode 350: Beekeepers Need Patience!
In this week's Podcast: Patience, all beekeepers need it, whether it’s waiting on a honey crop, producing queen cells or waiting for a new queen to start laying, Patience, Patience, Patience. Such a shame I seem to have little! Listen in to hear why!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 350 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyHive Five Multi G
Episode 349: Queen Rearing 2025
In this week's Podcast: Buying queens for replacement or increase can be a very expensive pastime, why not instead, consider raising a few home grown queens. It not that tricky and can be hugely rewarding. Listen in to hear how I’m approaching our queen rearing this year.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 349 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Co
Episode 348: A Busy Week in the Apiary
In this week's Podcast: Are you letting your colonies starve as you take off the Spring honey crop? Now’s the time to check. Also, Drone laying queens and Egg laying workers feature in this week’s chat.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 348 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyHive Five Multi Guard EntrancesJoin Our Beekeeping Community in t
Episode 347: Hive Five Multi Guard
In this week's Podcast: I'm joined by Natalie Armstrong, Inventor and Designer of the awardwinning Hive-Five Multiguard Bee hive Entrance to discuss the entrance and how it is used.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks. Welcome to Episode 347 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Check out the Hive Five Multiguard hereContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the follo
Episode 346: Swarm Cells
In this week's Podcast: I’ve seen plenty of queen cells over the last week, but there are some that look different to the others. I’m referring to swarm cells and emergency cells, both queen cells, both perfectly usable, but both different in their own way. listen in to hear my thoughts on these and other beekeeping fun.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks. Welcome to Episode 346 of my podcast, Beekeeping
Episode 345: A Week Of Swarm Management
In this week's Podcast: How often do you inspect your honeybee colonies, weekly, every ten days because you’ve clipped the queens? How about every six or even every five days? Well, this last week I’ve looked at some of my hives at five day intervals, listen in to hear why, and what I found.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks. Welcome to Episode 345 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at
Episode 344: First Signs of Swarming
In this week's Podcast: I’ve seen the first signs of this seasons swarming activity and we’ve even had a couple of colonies throw up queen cells. For me, it’s perfect timing and those swarm cells are always fantastic to use in splits and other swarm management techniques.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 344 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Co
Episode 343: Honeybees in Spring
In this week's Podcast: Happy Easter everyone, Spring has sprung and our colonies are developing nicely. Brood nest areas are growing and, if you overfed your colonies in late Winter, you may find they're lacking a little space. Maybe it's time to consider adding another box!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 343 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The No
Episode 342: BBKA Spring Convention 2025
In this week's Podcast: I’m back after my visit to the Harper Adams University in Shropshire for the annual British Beekeepers Association, Spring Convention, and what a great time it was. Details of my trip coming up and also, some thoughts about the development of our colonies right now. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 342 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at T
Episode 341: On Your Marks, Get Set, GO!
In this week's Podcast: It’s on your marks, get set, and Go! We’ve carried out our first brief, but important inspections along with some Spring cleaning and as usual, it’s a mixed bag. Listen in to find out how I got on.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks. Welcome to Episode 341 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the followin
Episode 340: Hivekeepers Micro Honey Harvester
In this week's Podcast: Today I’m joined by Simon Mildren, Founder and CEO of Hivekeepers and his Micro Honey Harvester to find out more about this interesting piece of kit and how it might change the way you extract honey.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 340 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Find out more about Hivekeepers Micro Honey Harvester hereContact Me at The Norfolk
Episode 339: The Queen Cell Finisher Colony
In this week's Podcast: Well it’s turned cold and I’m looking almost hourly at the long-range forecast for a glimmer of warmer weather, it’s not far off and we have colonies in desperate need of some settled, warmer weather to be sure. I’m filling my time by considering our queen-rearing plans and the role of the Finisher Colony, listen in for my thoughts on that and other beekeeping challeng
Episode 338: Queen Cell Builder Process
In this week's Podcast: Another warm week and the bees are out flying, it’s a delight to see. I’m still not carrying out inspections, it’s way too early, I am however, thinking about queen rearing and the process of cell production using the Cloake Board method.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 338 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin
Episode 337: Early Inspections and The Cloake Board
In this week's Podcast: It's warm and I’ve no doubt that bee hives are going to be inspected all over the UK in the coming days, I have a cautionary tale for you. Also, following on from last week, today I'm having a think about colonies used for queen cell development, particularly, the Cloake Board method, it's one I've used and had success with in the past.Hi, I’m Stewa
Episode 336: The Miller and Alley Methods of Queen Rearing
In this week's Podcast: We’re having a strangely warm week and our bees are taking advantage without any delay. It’s great to have an opportunity to watch them bringing early pollen and my thoughts are once again turning to the various methods of queen rearing we might employ this season.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks. Welcome to Episode 336 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Henry Alley'
Episode 335: Nicot Queen Rearing System
In this week's Podcast: The weather’s warming up, if only for a week or so, and I’m thinking about the various queens rearing methods we might use this year. Today, it’s the turn of the Nicot queen-rearing system, and I’ll do my best to explain how it all fits together!Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 335 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Comp
Episode 334: Looking Forward To Spring
In this week's Podcast: It's cold, damp and February! A beekeeper could easily get a little down at the thought of there being no end to this Winter in sight, but not me! I'm already thinking about those warmer Spring days and my thoughts are turning towards replacing winter losses and basic queen rearing. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 334 of my podcast, Beekeeping Shor
Episode 333: February Deadouts
In this week's Podcast: What do you do if you find your colony has died out over winter? Give up and start another hobby, or learn from the experience and become a better beekeeper? I’m all for the second option and hopefully, today’s podcast might help you understand why your colony has died out over the winter months. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 333 of my podcast, Beekeeping
Episode 332: Blue Monday Beekeeping
In this week's Podcast: It seems that Monday of this past week has been dubbed “Blue Monday”, not a day for swearing profusely, but rather an apparent nod to people feeling depressed after a Christmas and New Year of excess. Not so for us beekeepers, always optimistic we look forward to the promise that Spring is not far away and the start of another busy beekeeping season.Hi, I’m Stewart Spi
Episode 331: Happy New Year 2025
In this week's Podcast: It's 2025, and the New Year begins with some funny old weather. I've been out completing Oxalic Acid Treatments, so stay tuned to hear how that went. With the new season somewhere on the distant horizon, I'm starting to finalise my plans for the new season.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks. Welcome to Episode 331 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Contact Me
Episode 330: Honey Metagenomic DNA (MDA) Testing
In this week's Podcast: I'm joined by Lynne Ingram, Master Beekeeper and holder of the National Diploma in Beekeeping to discuss the results of a sample of my honey that underwent metagenomic DNA testing.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 330 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Take a look at the MDA Website hereTo get the most from this podcast, take a look at my specific
Episode 329: Windy Winter Storms
In this week's Podcast: It's a windy old start to the Winter period with yet another storm blowing across the British Isles, battering coastlines and blowing over trees. Hopefully, we've all done enough to keep ourselves and our hives safe and secure. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 329 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Glass Quilts for BeehivesContact Me at The N
Episode 328: Paul Horton Interview
In this week's Podcast: I'm joined by Bee Farmer, Paul Horton from Apidea Honey to discuss is incredible beekeeping season dubbed "The Perfect Storm".Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 328 of my podcast,Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Apidea HoneyContact Me at The Norfolk Honey CompanyJoin Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:Early Release & Additional Video an
Episode 327: Asian Hornet Alert Interview
In this week's Podcast: I'm joined by James Knights, current chair of Asian Hornet Alert to talk about their approach to this invasive species.Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 327 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.Asian Hornet Alert website www.asianhornetalert.org.ukWhatsApp Group telephone number as discussed: 07565 775 020Asian Hornet Watch DetailsNational Bee Unit l
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