Journal
Stories from
the apiary
Honest observations about seasons, swarms, failures and the moments that remind us why we do this.
11
entries
3 Oct
updated
Earlier posts
autumnThe local newspaper came out to the apiary
On 24 September we were on the front page of Österåker’s local newspaper, with a full spread inside. The best part of it is about the neighbours.
Reading the Mite Drop: Our July Varroa Check in Svinninge
On a warm July afternoon we finally sat down with the sticky board, a scoop of bees and a jar of powdered sugar. Here is what the count told us — and the worry that came with it.
Our July Harvest: A Morning at the Svinninge Apiary
We were up before the garden woke, lifting heavy supers in the cool of a July morning. Here is how our summer harvest smelled, felt, and what we chose to leave behind for the bees.
10 Beginner Mistakes We Made (So You Don't Have To)
Looking back on our first year in Svinninge, we own the ten beginner beekeeping mistakes we made — from over-inspecting to harvesting too much — so you don't have to.
First Inspection of the Year: What We Found
After a long Swedish winter, opening the hives for the first time is always a moment of nervous anticipation. This year, the bees surprised us.
Trying Dr. Gost Bee Nutrition: Six Week Review
We have been testing Dr. Gost's Pollen Cake and Winter Supplement with two of our colonies this spring. Here are honest observations after six weeks.
The Swarm That Got Away — and What I Learned
It happens to every beekeeper at least once. You turn your back for a moment and suddenly two thirds of your colony is hanging in a neighbour's apple tree.
Preparing the Hives for a Nordic Winter
By October, the foraging season is over. But the work is not. Here is how we wrap, ventilate and provision our hives for the five months ahead.
Our First Harvest: 18kg of Summer Honey from Svinninge
The extraction room smelled like clover and linden blossom. After months of waiting, we finally spun our first harvest — and the colour was extraordinary.
Why We Chose Svinninge for Our Apiary
Location is everything in beekeeping. Svinninge sits on the edge of a nature reserve, surrounded by wildflower meadows and lime trees. Here is our story.