Don’t really post on here much these days… not sure why. Here is a picture of some blue Scilla from a month or two ago.

[New post for sponsors] We know a lot about how colonies select eggs/larvae to rear queens from under the emergency response … they're very good at it. ALL this knowledge is ignored when grafting larvae. Here are a couple of easier ways to do it. theapiarist.org/bigger-queen... #beekeeping

[New post] Not so much what to buy, as how to choose what to buy, so that it's useful and usable for years … together with a couple of luxuries to make your early foray into beekeeping easier and more enjoyable. theapiarist.org/equipment-fo... #beekeeping

[New post] Beekeeping can be expensive when starting. Avoid being “all the gear, no idea”. Buy the basics, and buy things that will remain usable and useful for decades. Part 1 of 2, with homework for readers 😄 . theapiarist.org/equipment-fo... #beekeeping

@uksnowmap.com #Uksnow LE3 1/10 starting

@uksnowmap.com #Uksnow 2/10 LE3

[New post] Make use of these short winter days by doing the preparation for the humongous nectar flows this season … or at least tidy your supers and inexpensively protect them from wax moth damage. And some musings on predicting when swarming will start. theapiarist.org/be-prepared/ # beekeeping

@uksnowmap.com #Uksnow LE3 2/10 it’s starting like it means it.

@uksnowmap.com #Uksnow LE3 1/10 Very small ice crystals starting.

Better pollen sub patties - Recent research suggests that there may be better protein components than brewer's yeast and soybean flour for use in pollen sub patties. theapiarist.org/p/9d8c33da-c...

@uksnowmap.com #uksnow 2/10 LE3

Unbelievably, #DuvetKnowItsChristmas generates such good will on social media that over the years we've raised somewhere approaching a quarter of a million quid for homeless charities. If you can spare a bob or two, sling some to Centrepoint, and here's the link: www.gofundme.com/f/duvet-know...

Premier inn has become so basic, roughly 6 items on the menu and most drinks listed unavailable. ☹️

Jarring honey. Sticky kitchen now. #Honey

Popped to Aldi this morning, did a cursory sweep of the middle isle, managed to resist buying a canoe, charcoal, a lettuce spinner and a giant fleece lined slipper. #Win

[New post] Don't rush. Take your time. The memories from these last few weeks of the beekeeping season will have to last you until early next spring. theapiarist.org/bittersweet-... Follow me on @social.theapiarist.org.ap.brid.gy to get new post announcements automagically #beekeeping

I’ve decided it smells of Autumn here at home. We’ve had some rain, not nearly enough but some. Many plants are sighing in relief. The home hives are suddenly busy, the bees have found some nectar after all these dry months.

It’s powertool-mageddon in my neighbourhood this bank holiday Saturday. Somebody over the back is smashing g up concrete with a jack hammer… 🙁

Happy War of the Worlds Day. If you celebrate. 🤫🛸

It’s always nice when #beekeepers follow.

Decided to post some nice pictures to attract nice people.

And I’m back. Still keeping bees, and scrumping tiny plums.

@bbka.org.uk gorgeous weather, learning loads. Shopping tomorrow when the trade show opens. 🐝🌸🤭

Off to the BBKA convention today, a first for a Friday for me.

@beeathorpe.bsky.social I think your x account has been hacked.

The spring flowers have started at work.

Friday night, under a fluffy blanket, fire on, vino in hand. 🍷🔥

The rain is hammering against the windows here. ☔️☹️

Just finished emptying the attic. Job needed doing for past few years. Going to dump some stuff, flog some stuff and keep some stuff. I never need go up there again. Hopefully. At my age and flexibility it was touch & go, and I’m not even that old. 😁

I’ve never had squirrels rip apart my pots before. And they had seed from me as well.

Topped up all birdfeeders, birdbaths and added a few ground sprinkles. Freezing fog and amazing Haw frost here. Currently minus 2.

Current view. #Cold

Round #Loaf

We are having a few issues at work. #Flood

Testing drive to work this morning, left home in torrential rain, detours around floods, got to work in blizzard.

A wet smattering of snow, thawing now.

#UKsnow LE3 1/10 just starting here now.

Can we have #UKsnow pictures please….? Still nothing here.

Supposed to be getting snow at 8pm, nothing yet, so we wait.

Strange bright ball in the sky means a bit of garden faffing has occurred.

Chippy Tea.

@boosbees.bsky.social quick question: do you do any Queen Rearing..? 🐝

I’m looking at Bee Keeping Equipment in the sales. This could be dangerous. #UKBeekeeping

This is a very handy cut-out-and-keep guide to #duvetknowitschristmas and its multi-faceted nature, which I would have thought of myself if I'd been a better human being

Happy Christmas & Peaceful New Year.

🎄 Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. 🎄 🎄 Yn dymuno Nadolig Llawen i bob un ohonoch chi🎄

Popped into the garden to check on the hives, all look well, few bees moving around the #Abelo hives. Very mild 9 degrees here. #Ukbeekeeper

Important information: I’ve started on the Christmas Cheese. 🧀🧀

Chuffed with last nights #Beekeeping produce show and Christmas social. We even won the quiz. 🐝🎄