I have finally completed the 2nd Edition of Beekeeping: A Novice’s Guide.  The final document has now been sent to the printers.

The book is a vast improved in my opinion with more detail, more photographs and is now 152 pages in length.  ( 1st Edition was 128 pages ) It is still in full colour with 150+ photographs.

Though printing costs have risen I am keeping the retail price the same at £16.99 per copy plus postage.

An Ebook version of the book is also in the process of being put together. You will be able to download the book from Amazon in full colour to view on iPads and Android tablets. It will also be available on Kindle in black and white. Amazon say their Colour Kindle will be available in the spring and the book will then be available in this version in full colour.

I have had a fantastic review of the 2nd edition by Dr Stephen Palmer.  A Master beekeeper and this review will shortly be published in the British Beekeeping Association (BBKA) news magazine.

An extract from the review

” There is no doubt in my mind, that David Wootton has more than succeeded in fulfilling this aim, because quiet simply, this is an outstanding book “

Dr Stephen Palmer FRGS, FLS.  Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and former BBKA Executive and Master Beekeeper.

BEEKEEPING: A Novice’s Guide 152 pages in full colour with 150+ photographs

Author/Photography: David Wootton

Publishing Date: 5^th November 2011

ISBN 978-0-9566877-1-5

RRP £16.99 plus postage UK

www.beekeeping-book.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have finished putting bees away for winter. Hives are heavy with winter food stores and all that was needed to complete the winter preparations was to give the bees plenty of ventilation.

Bees can handle cold, but a build up of moisture within the hive will cause great problems. I remove the glass strips which normally cover the feeding holes in the crown boards and cover them with hessian. The holes in the hessian will enable air to travel upwards through the wire mesh floor and out through the roof vents. Some beekeepers also place a ‘match’ in one corner between the brood box and the crown board for more ventilation.  Also small blocks can be placed under the rear stand legs to enable water to run off quickly.

If we get a hard winter with regular frosts, I will add wire netting around each hive to prevent woodpeckers getting at the bees.  I have never had a problem with woodpeckers, but know local beekeepers who have found a hole in the side of their hives and no bees. Mouseguards can also be fitted, however I found the standard narrow entrance perfectly suitable to prevent any mice trying to find a warm home for winter.

I have stacked all the supers under cover, with queen excluders between every two supers. I also placed sheets of newspaper between each box with drops of lavender oil on the paper, I understand this helps prevent wax most getting to the comb.  The supers and frames of comb have not been cleaned yet.  I wait until we get some regular frosts, then the propolis becomes brittle and is so much easier to scrape off. Once scrapped clean of propolis I can then blow torch the inside of each super to kill any bugs/deceases which may be harbouring in the corners.

 

 

 

Having just returned from holiday in Croatia, I was anxious to get winter feeding done having completed the varroa treatment. I hefted all the hives and they are full of honey due to the great weather and late blooming flowers we have been getting this year. I have an abundance of ivy growing near my hives and though the bees are bringing this in, ivy honey can become very hard so needs mixing with the 2:1 sugar syrup to thin it for the bees winter stores.

Had a great time in Croatia on holiday, perhaps one of the most stunning countries I have ever been to. I didn’t see any bee hives, however saw lots of honey which was presented beautifully in fruit and vegetables stalls along the roads.