Beekeeping For Newbees®

In this episode we walk through feeding bees during the active season and when it actually makes sense to step in and help. We cover sugar syrup, protein sources, common feeding scenarios, and the mistakes that can cause more harm than good. If you have ever wondered when to feed and when to leave them alone, this will help you make better decisions. 
What’s Inside This Episode:
• What feeding really means and the difference between carbohydrates and protein for bees
• When feeding makes sense including spring buildup, dearth periods, and late season preparation
• Situations where feeding is created by beekeeper actions like splits and new packages
• Why feeding at the wrong time can lead to problems like overstimulation or swarming pressure
• How to mix 1:1 and 2:1 sugar syrup and when each approach is used
• The most common feeder types and the pros and cons of each
• Common feeding mistakes and how to avoid creating bigger problems in the hive
Why Listen to This Episode?
Feeding can help your colonies grow and survive, but doing it at the wrong time or the wrong way can set you back. This episode helps you understand when feeding is useful and how to approach it without creating unintended issues.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Bucket Feeder: https://youtu.be/lTowIiSjTtg
2:1 Sugar Syrup Mix: https://youtube.com/shorts/sQqb_uuYzhQ
Water Feeder: https://youtu.be/wXTMhxdLW_I
Pollen Feeder: https://youtu.be/7tnRS83jw6s
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we break down one of the most overlooked parts of beekeeping: frames and foundation. We walk through the different frame styles, foundation options, and how each choice impacts how your bees build comb and how you manage your hives. Whether you are brand new or just want to simplify your setup, this episode helps you understand what actually works and why. 
What’s Inside This Episode:
• The different types of wooden frames including groove, wedge top, and split bottom designs
• How plastic and wax foundation compare and when each one makes sense
• Why bees often reject plastic foundation and how to pre-treat it for better acceptance
• Using wired wax foundation for strength and avoiding blowouts during honey extraction
• How to use starter strips for foundationless frames and guide natural comb building
• Common issues like wonky comb and how to fix it early before it becomes a problem
• When to replace old brood comb and how to rotate frames over time
Why Listen to This Episode?
Frames and foundation choices directly impact how your bees build comb and how easy your hives are to manage. This episode simplifies the options so you can choose a setup that works for both you and your bees.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we walk through how to choose and configure a Langstroth hive setup and what decisions you need to make before installing bees. We talk through box sizes, equipment options, and how standardizing your setup can make management easier as your apiary grows. 
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Understanding the Langstroth hive and why it is the most commonly used system
• Choosing between 8 frame and 10 frame equipment and what that means long term
• How box size decisions affect weight, inspections, and honey production
• Why standardizing your equipment can simplify management as you expand
• Key components you need before installing bees including boxes, frames, bottom boards, and covers
• How future plans like splits and swarm traps connect back to your initial setup
• Avoiding common mistakes when selecting your first hive configuration
Why Listen to This Episode?
The hive setup you choose affects everything from inspections to expansion to long-term management. This episode helps you make those early Langstroth equipment decisions with a clearer understanding of what will be easiest to manage and scale.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Vented Inner Cover: https://youtu.be/qJ0q3plIL1I
New Beekeeper Hive Options: https://youtu.be/3VLYhm4ieoA
Vented Entrance Reducer: https://youtu.be/SyIcnkIwKig
Build a Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/uksabwBuzlE
Pill Bottle Swarm Trap: https://youtu.be/jtbc8OJpTs0
Hive Placement Guide: https://youtu.be/UbJRAhoCD9Q
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we talk about getting ready for the upcoming bee season and the things every beekeeper should have prepared before the first inspections begin. We walk through personal gear, hive tools, smokers, checking equipment from last season, preparing frames and boxes, and thinking ahead about inspections and mite management. Whether this is your first year with bees or you are getting ready for another season, this episode is all about making sure you are prepared before the bees arrive.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Preparing your personal protective gear and choosing the setup that keeps you comfortable working bees
• Why hydration, mindset, and staying calm in the bee yard can make inspections go much smoother
• Getting your smoker ready and choosing safe natural materials for smoker fuel
• Hive tools, J-hook tools, and why it helps to keep multiple tools available
• Checking last year’s hive bodies, frames, lids, and inner covers before the season begins
• Planning ahead for feeders so packages, nucs, or splits can keep building if weather turns bad
• Why every beekeeper should already be thinking about a varroa management plan before the season ramps up
Why Listen to This Episode?
The start of bee season comes quickly, and being prepared ahead of time prevents a lot of frustration once bees arrive. This episode walks through the basic gear, preparation, and mindset that can help make the start of the season much smoother.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
Regular hive tool: https://amzn.to/4iaACUf
J-hook style hive tool: https://amzn.to/4kTqZL9
Pullover top: https://amzn.to/4hmzvzA
Hat w/ veil: https://amzn.to/3FtrhZ2
Smoker: https://amzn.to/3DyBSS9
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we jump into another Bee Buzz episode and answer a new round of listener questions from around the world. We talk through several early-spring scenarios including cleansing flights, brood removal, feeding decisions, swarm preparation, and signs of potential queen or mite problems. These practical questions highlight the kinds of things many beekeepers start noticing as colonies come out of winter and begin ramping up for spring.
What’s Inside This Episode:
• Brown streaks on the outside of a hive and how to tell the difference between normal cleansing flights and possible disease
• Why bees sometimes drag larvae out of the hive and how hygienic behavior helps keep colonies healthy
• Whether reversing brood boxes in spring is necessary or simply a management preference
• When to feed 1:1 syrup and why early feeding can sometimes cause problems if weather turns cold
• Signs of deformed wing virus and why it often points to a varroa mite issue
• What clustered bees near the entrance may actually be doing during warmer winter or early spring days
• When to begin thinking about swarm management and why preparation often starts earlier than many expect
Why Listen to This Episode?
Bee Buzz episodes focus on real questions from beekeepers dealing with real hive situations. If you are heading into spring inspections or trying to interpret what you are seeing inside your hive, this episode walks through several common scenarios and what they might mean.
More Info:
🌐 https://beekeepingfornewbees.com
🔗 https://bestbeekeepinggear.com
📺 https://youtube.com/@beekeepingfornewbees
💬 https://discord.gg/XzkqFKrjMJ
🫶 https://thehealinghiveproject.org
☕ https://buymeacoffee.com/beekeepingfornewbees
Additional Resources:
📺 Digitizing Hive Inspection Notes: https://youtu.be/DWdKMG-Wl-w
About the Podcast:
Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% podcast with over 700,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what does not in real-world beekeeping.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beekeeping-for-newbees/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy