August 23, 2025

Ep 138: The Bear Story & BONUS audio bookmark for Patrons

23 minutes

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!

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.

...more