Five frame nuc colonies give Northwest beekeepers a laying queen, brood, food, and workers. Learn what to inspect, install, feed, and manage after pickup.
Five Frame Nuc Colonies for a Strong Start Read More »
Every beekeeper knows that feeling of uncertainty. You crack open a hive, and the questions start: Is my queen still in here? Is this spotty brood…
Signs of a Healthy Queen Bee: A Beekeeper’s Inspection Checklist Read More »
Waiting until 2026 to order your bees is the single biggest mistake a Pacific Northwest beekeeper can make. Every year, I get calls in March from…
When to Buy Bees for Spring 2026: The Complete Timing Guide Read More »
The cheapest all-in-one beekeeping kit you find online is often the most expensive mistake a new Washington beekeeper can make. I see it all the…
The Real Cost to Start Beekeeping in Washington State: 2026 Price Guide Read More »
A 2011 study by Food Safety News found that 76% of honey sold in U.S. grocery stores contained no pollen. Without pollen, the honey is untraceable…
The Real Benefits of Local Raw Honey: Why Bellingham’s Liquid Gold Wins Read More »
The decision to buy a bee colony is one of the most exciting steps for any new beekeeper. But let’s be honest, it can also feel confusing. You hear…
Buy a Bee Colony: What to Expect in Your Order Read More »
The harvest is done, and your pantry is glowing with jars of pure, golden honey. You’ve put in the work, and now you have a quality product that…
Honeybee Sales: A Beekeeper’s Guide to Selling Local Honey Read More »
When you start looking at beehives for sale, the options can feel overwhelming. Langstroth, Top Bar, 8-frame, 10-frame—it’s a lot to sort…
Choosing Your First Beehive: A Simple Guide for Beginners Read More »
October is a crucial month for beekeepers in the Pacific Northwest. Here’s some suggestions for what you should be doing right now to help your colonies get through winter strong: — 🐝 1. Assess Colony Strength Goal: Each hive should have a large cluster of healthy bees and a laying queen. Check: There should be
October – Let’s Get Ready Read More »
🐝🐝🐝 Les’s Bees Newsletter – Preparing Hives for Winter in the Pacific Northwest 🐝🐝🐝 August/September Edition Hello friends, It’s been a while, eh? I failed in my plan for a monthly newsletter… again (Big Sigh). BUT, on the positive side, I was able to answer lots of good questions from many of you through
