Backyard Bees and Better Living

07/11/2026

07/09/2026

Is There a Dearth Coming? What Every Beekeeper Needs to Watch ForSorry I haven’t been posting as much lately — I’ve been enjoying the World Cup vibe here in Vancouver while it lasts! But I’m back in the bee yard, and today we’re talking about something every beekeeper needs to understand: a nectar dearth.
What is a dearth? How do you spot it? What should you do? And are we in one right now here in the Fraser Valley?
Right now in July, where I am, there is no dearth — the bees are still bringing in nectar and the flow is still on. But later this summer, things can change fast.
Watch this before your bees switch from honey-making mode to survival mode.

Sorry I haven’t been posting as much lately — I’ve been enjoying th...

07/03/2026

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07/02/2026

I Thought My Flow Hive Was Failing... Until I Learned THIS! 🐝🍯Everyone says a Flow Hive is easy... but nobody tells you how hard it is to be patient! 😂
This is my first season with a Flow Hive. My colony is booming, both deep brood boxes are full, the bees are bringing in loads of pollen and nectar, and they're covering the Flow frames with wax and propolis.
But... there's still no honey in the Flow frames!
Is this completely normal? Are they just getting the frames ready before the honey starts flowing? Or am I missing something?
Experienced beekeepers, I'd love to hear your advice. Drop your thoughts in the comments and help a first-year beekeeper out! 👇
Follow along as I document every success, mistake, and lesson on my beekeeping journey. Hopefully my first Flow Hive harvest is just around the corner! 🍯🐝

06/17/2026

🚨 MOST BEGINNER BEEKEEPERS WAIT TOO LONG TO ADD A HONEY SUPER! 🍯🐝Are your bees ready for a honey super… or are you already too late?
One of the biggest mistakes new beekeepers make is waiting until the hive is overcrowded before giving their bees more space. By then, your colony may already be thinking about swarming!
In this video, I show you the signs I look for before adding a honey super and explain why timing can make all the difference during the nectar flow.
We'll cover:
🐝 How full your brood box should be
🍯 Why nectar flow matters
🐝 The 70–80% rule
🍯 Why waiting for swarm cells is too late
🐝 How I decide when my own hives are ready
If you're a beginner beekeeper following along on this journey, this video is for you!
👇 Let me know in the comments:
When do YOU add your honey supers? 🐝🍯

Learn exactly when to add a honey super to your beehive so you neve...

06/17/2026

06/11/2026

Today my son took another big step in his beekeeping journey by carefully transferring a colony from a full hive into a nuc box. Watching the next generation learn patience, responsibility, and respect for these incredible pollinators makes all the hard work worth it.
Beekeeping isn't just about honey. It's about family, learning, and protecting the creatures that help feed the world.
One hive at a time. One lesson at a time. ❤️🐝

06/10/2026

One of the questions I get asked most is:

"Why do you leave Styrofoam insulation on top of your hives all year long?"

Most people only think about insulation during winter.
But here in British Columbia, I choose to leave mine on year-round.
Why?
Because insulation isn't just about keeping bees warm.
It's about helping the colony regulate temperature, reducing moisture issues, and protecting them from sudden weather changes.
The bees already work incredibly hard.
If I can help them conserve energy and maintain a more stable environment, why wouldn't I?
Is my method the only way?
Absolutely not.
Every beekeeper develops their own management style based on their climate and experience.
This setup has worked well for my bees, and I'm always learning and adapting.
That's one thing I love about beekeeping…
There are many paths to success.
Do you insulate your hives year-round, only in winter, or not at all? 👇🐝

06/09/2026

They thrive by living in harmony with nature. They pollinate our flowers, support our food systems, and remind us that healing often begins by reconnecting with the world around us.
Maybe we've become too disconnected from the very things that once kept us grounded.
More sunlight. More fresh air. More time outside. More real food. More appreciation for the natural world.
The bees are doing their part to heal the Earth.
Maybe it's time we let nature heal us too. 🌿💛🐝

06/08/2026

🐝 Bee Highway in Full Swing! 🚨If you've ever wondered what a healthy hive looks like, this is it. Thousands of workers coming and going, bringing in nectar, pollen, and keeping the colony running like a well-oiled machine.
Nature's busiest airport has officially opened for business! 🌼🍯
Every bee has a job, and watching this level of activity never gets old. The sound, the movement, and the teamwork are incredible.
How many bees do you think enter and leave the hive every minute? 👇