Plain Talk: It's Not Just Keeping Bees (179)

In this thoughtful episode, Jim dives into the often-overlooked aspects of beekeeping that extend beyond the bees themselves. He reflects on the countless hours spent on tasks that, while essential, don't directly involve handling bees—like managing equipment, mowing grass, and maintaining bee yard cleanliness. This episode offers a holistic view of the beekeeper's world, emphasizing that the work of beekeeping involves much more than just keeping bees. Listeners will find value in Jim's introspective discussion on the balance between beekeeping duties and the environmental management of the bee yard. He shares personal anecdotes and experiences about trying various methods to manage yard vegetation, from the use of mulches and herbicides to different mowing strategies, all aimed at creating an optimal environment for both the beekeeper and the bees. The episode challenges listeners to think about how they can efficiently handle the mundane yet crucial tasks that support their beekeeping endeavors. This episode is not just for seasoned beekeepers but also for newcomers who might not yet appreciate the full scope of what beekeeping entails. It’s a candid look at the less glamorous but equally important side of beekeeping, providing practical insights and a dash of humor to lighten the load. Listen today! ______________________ This episode is brought to you by the support of Bee Culture Magazine: The magazine of American Beekeeping since 1873!  Each month, Bee Culture delivers the best information in an easy to read magazine, full of content from beekeepers, researchers and regular contributors, including Jim Tew and Beekeeping Today Podcast's, Becky Masterman! Subscribe today at: https://beeculture.com ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com ______________________ Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, All We Know by Midway Music; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott Cartoons by: John Martin (Beezwax Comics) Copyright © 2024 by Growing Planet Media, LLC