Today I'll tell you the unfortunate bear story and how the hives are doing...then, the full episode continues on Patreon with the bonus audio I've promised patrons:  an explainer on how the age distribution in a colony (the topic of the last ABJ article I read to you) impacts your beekeeping and the health of the hive, including some important August tasks in the bee yard as a result. It's a way I say thank you to the Patrons, whose support keeps this podcast going! 

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https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple

Not a patron yet? You are warmly invited to become a Friend of Five Apple on Patreon to join the folks who make the podcasts possible, who keep the archives available and who keep it all advertising-free.

In addition to huge gratitude, you get:

• Detailed show notes with links, tips, comments
• Access to Patreon blog posts including tips and videos
• occasional bonus podcasts and early access episodes
• Commenting on posts (and DMs) allows me to answer questions
• Input on the podcast topics
• Shout-outs on the show because I appreciate you! 
 


If you can support the show with $3 a month or more, please sign up today: https://www.patreon.com/fiveapple


 


About Beekeeping at Five Apple:
Leigh keeps bees in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (gardening zone 6b). She cares for around a dozen hives in a rural Appalachian highland climate. Colonies are managed for bee health with active selection for vigor, genetic diversity and disease resistance, but without chemical treatments for over a decade. The apiary is self-sustaining (not needing to buy/catch replacement bees since 2010) and produces honey and nucs most every year.