Where bees, blooms, and bounty flourish
Beekeeping is the care and management of honeybee colonies for pollination, honey production, and supporting healthy, biodiverse ecosystems. Follow our journey to keep bees in the most natural way possible.
The first quarter involved waiting and planning amidst mixed weather, with some rainfall relieving pressure on dams. Progress included organizing orchard fencing, preparing soil, and transporting trees. Beekeeping has shown healthy activity and honey production. Overall, the focus was on groundwork and preparation for future planting and production.
Autumn is crucial for beekeepers as it prepares hives for winter survival. During this season, beekeepers must ensure adequate honey stores, monitor for pests and diseases, and maintain hive equipment. Reduced activity and changes in bee behavior signify the shift towards conservation. Proper autumn care sets the stage for healthy colonies in spring.
Practical heatwave tips for Australian beekeepers Heatwaves are becoming more common across Australia, and while honeybees are incredibly resilient, extreme and prolonged heat can place serious stress on a hive.…
When a hive lacks a queen, panic is common, but understanding natural resilience helps. Observation is crucial for identifying egg presence, and interventions can mimic nature’s solutions: raising a new queen, introducing a mated queen, or merging colonies. Minimal disturbance and careful monitoring of the colony’s behavior support recovery.
Discovering that your hive has a laying worker can be alarming. Sometimes you wont even notice until its too late! Unlike a normal colony with a queen, a hive with…
Varroa destructor is a damaging mite affecting honeybee populations globally. It weakens colonies and spreads viruses. Beekeepers monitor mite levels using sugar shakes or alcohol washes and employ organic control methods like drone brood removal and essential oils. Integrated Pest Management is vital, promoting colony health through diverse forage and good hive practices.
Harvesting honey is one of the most rewarding parts of beekeeping, but timing is everything. Taking honey too early can weaken your colony and result in unripe honey that ferments,…
Hive placement is one of the most important decisions a beekeeper can make. The right location affects colony health, productivity, and manageability. Poorly sited hives can lead to stressed bees,…
Installing a new colony is one of the most important steps in beekeeping. How you introduce bees to their hive determines whether the colony settles quickly, stays healthy, and begins…
When starting a bee colony, beekeepers can choose between nucleus colonies (nucs) and packages of bees. Nucs offer a head start with an established queen and brood, making them less risky. Packages provide valuable learning experiences but require more management. The choice depends on budget, experience, and desired involvement.
