Honey: a Beekeeper's Guide (Digital)

For anyone new to beekeeping a good grounding in the basics could make the difference between success and failure. This revised and updated DVD from Paul Metcalf, beekeeper of over 60 years, is designed to offer just that sound basis. Beginning with the equipment you will require, Paul talks through the appropriate clothing and tools before dealing in detail with the hive itself. Starting in April, Paul leads the viewer through the beekeeping season month by month. At each point he explains the checks and interventions which the beekeeper must make of his colony. On tours through healthy hives learn how to check for signs of health and an active queen and identify larvae, queen cells nectar and honey. Unhealthy hives are used to demonstrate what can go wrong and how to deal with the Varroa mite. Many of the techniques required are showed a number of times in a variety of situations to ensure the viewer fully understands the basic skills. Moving a swarm can be a difficult process, as can convincing it to stay where you want it, so Paul demonstrates the process. As the beekeeping season draws to a close Paul protects his bees from the animals which may threaten his hives over winter.