How to Increase Propolis in Your Hive

How to Increase Propolis in Your Hive

by | Sep 17, 2025 | Equipment, Natural Beekeeping

Propolis is more than just a nuisance to beekeepers. It’s a vital part of the honey bee immune system! Unfortunately, modern beehives don’t have many places for the bees to store their propolis, but there are things you can do as a beekeeper to increase...
Should You Insulate Your Beehive?

Should You Insulate Your Beehive?

by | Sep 7, 2025 | Equipment

This post is sponsored by Hive Hugger.  I have kept bees in San Diego, California, for 15 years. Here, the temperature rarely strays from 70°F, and our average nighttime lows for “winter” are seldom below 50°F. Since we have some of the mildest weather in the world, I...
WHY I USE ALL MEDIUM SUPERS IN MY APIARY

WHY I USE ALL MEDIUM SUPERS IN MY APIARY

by | Jun 29, 2024 | Equipment, New Bees

When I first started beekeeping, hardly anyone was using all medium supers in their apiary, but it seems to have caught on more lately. So, I thought I would share why I like to keep my bees in all medium boxes. It’s not just about ease of lifting, I have...
DON’T GIFT NEW BEEKEEPERS A BEEHIVE

DON’T GIFT NEW BEEKEEPERS A BEEHIVE

by | Dec 19, 2023 | Equipment, New Bees

Every year I meet at least one excited new beekeeper who received their first beehive as a gift. While this may seem like a wonderful present to give, it’s actually not a good idea to gift a new beekeeper a beehive. Read on to find out why! Why Not? Although the...