Hobby Beekeeping
Hobby Beekeeping
Henry J. Svec
Hobby Beekeeping is a podcast about learning from bees. Hosted by retired psychologist and beekeeper Hank Svec, each episode explores practical beekeeping, hive entrance observations, bee research, and the questions that arise from simply spending time with bees. Rather than focusing only on techniques, the podcast looks at what bees may be teaching us through careful observation. Topics include the Three-Hive Method, hive survival, swarming, AI-assisted entrance monitoring, equipment, research, and conversations with beekeepers from beginners to experienced professionals. If we watch the bees long enough without touching them, they tell us something.
Bees and Winter
Just watching and learning.  Not much to do.
Oct 8
11 min
What Winter Prep?
So I don't do any winter prep as a hobby beekeeper.  That's the bees' job, and likely, if I do what I'm told, I'll increase the chances of killing my bees.  Go ahead if you think you need to do something; I just don't, and here's why.  
Sep 19
12 min
What Beekeepers can Learn from Successful Investors
It may sound strange, but successful investing is a lot like successful beekeeping. Here are the two key characteristics of successful investing and can you do this with your bees?
Aug 29
10 min
Why All the Bees?
This time of the year the hives seem to be exploding with bees. As a hobby beekeeper what could this mean and is there anything I should do?
Aug 23
14 min
My Two Biggest Beekeeping Mistakes and Stinging Nettle for Mite Prevention
What were the two biggest mistakes I made when I started beekeeping? In this episode, I share two lessons that changed the way I manage my hives. The first is why I now believe an inner cover is essential for managing winter moisture. The second is less about equipment and more about thinking—why having a clear beekeeping philosophy before you begin may be one of the most important decisions you'll make. I also discuss stinging nettle and whether it has a place in mite prevention around the apiary. If you're thinking about keeping bees or you're in your first few years as a beekeeper, this episode may save you from a few of the mistakes I made. My complete online beginner beekeeping course is available for $99, where I cover the 10 biggest mistakes I made, along with hive management, equipment, swarming, queens, seasonal management, and much more. Learn more at: TheThreeHiveMethod.com Bee well.
Aug 10
16 min
Hive and Mite Treatment Updates and Last Day for the Free Class
Looking at combining a hive opening with perhaps two tasks and updates on today's last day to sign up for the free class.
Jul 31
14 min
I've Never Done This Before... My Beekeeping Class Is Free for One Week
For one week, I'm making my complete $99 Beekeeping Class available free. If you've ever wanted to keep honeybees—or simply understand them better—this is a great opportunity to get started. Register at: https://TheThreeHiveMethod.com Use coupon code: FreePodcastClass You only need to enroll during the promotion. Once you're registered, you can complete the course whenever it fits your schedule. Limited enrollment so sign up today. I hope you enjoy the class, and I look forward to helping you begin your beekeeping journey.
Jul 26
16 min
Re-Discovering the Joy of Beekeeping and a New Hive Survival Predictor?
The Hive Entrance Monitoring has revealed a stunning discovery. At night, some hives narrow or shut down their entrances while others do not. The second finding is that as soon as there is light, some hives break it up and return to normal quickly, while others take more time. Is this a sign of hive health or failure? I also discuss how my new way to be with bees is bringing me incredible hobby beekeeping joy.
Jul 12
19 min
Coping with Heat can We Help Them?
Thoughts on the heat, missed treatment because of it as well as thoughts on perhaps missing a survivor hive?
Jul 6
18 min
First Mite Treatment
Placed the first treatment on the swarm hive today. Took about a minute to do. Nope, didn't do any alcohol wash to kill some bees, just looking for ways to help them. The idea of 3 hives as a hobby beekeeper is a lot of fun.
Jun 29
8 min
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