Henry J. Svec

Hobby Beekeeping

Turning a 50 acre cash crop farm back to a wildflower bee sanctuary and business. Join me as I explain each week what we are doing and why we are bee "helpers" and not bee keepers. The name change on February 25, 2024, is reflected in the science that for me makes most sense. The goal is to listen to all aspects of beekeeping and to be an open and honest place for everyone to share their experience. The focus for our work and research continues to be on the conversion of the 50 acre farm back to nature and the re-wilding of lands in Nova Scotia. Treatment Free best describes what we are doing....

Author

Henry J. Svec

Category

Education

Podcast website

www.podserve.fm

Latest episode

Jul 6, 2026

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Episodes

A new Farm Sponsor and Ordering some Saskatchewan Bees 04.12.2021

An update on farm happenings and why I think I need some more diverse genetics.

Over 12,000 Children have Access to our Bee Science Club 25.11.2021

We are very excited about the recent interest in our Bee Science Club. I talk about that plus an update on the state of our bees on the farm.

Weeds or Wildflowers? 23.10.2021

It's a constant battle to try to think of traditional weeds as wildflowers and being good for the bees and nature. I talk through that process and give you an update on the frustrations with the bees.

The Bees Could be Tricking Us 08.10.2021

While I think I have hives that haven't been treated for 2 years flourishing, maybe the bees are just tricking me.

Urgency at the Hives 03.10.2021

The Bees seem very busy to get the most out of the farm before snow flies. Urgency is everywhere.

Reviewing our Healthy Hives 25.09.2021

Today I do a walk around the farm, talking about our 17 healthy hives as they get ready for winter.

Bees are Packing Their Bags 16.09.2021

Bees are more flexible on where they live then we originally believed. This log hive is a perfect example.

Stop Bothering the Bees 04.09.2021

Why I have to stop listening to Master beekeeping podcasts.

How do the Bees stay cool doing this? 26.08.2021

I'm not understanding this strage bee behavior during these hot summer days. Can you help me?

Drones Everywhere 11.08.2021

This late in the summer what on earth are all the drones about?

Frustrating to Watch 01.08.2021

Darwinian beekeeping means to have more of a hands off approach when helping bees. I'm finding it a hard thing to do.

Where are the Queens? 25.07.2021

A number of beekeepers are reporting that hives have failed after a swarm. What could be going on?

Surprise We are Darwinian Black Box Beekeepers 17.07.2021

For the past 10 years beekeepers in Europe have been using this technique to raise treatment free bees. What a surprise to learn it's a lot like what we are doing.

The Treatment Free Long Game 12.07.2021

This week we came to grips on how we want to help our bees. It's not going to be about treating for mites anymore.

Queen Failures 05.07.2021

A tough week talking about 2 hives that didn't make it and the idea of treatment free beekeeping.

Too Much Honey and No Room Left 27.06.2021

Can being Honey Bound be a good thing?

Swarms are Mysteries 13.06.2021

We really don't know much about swarms. This past week proves that point.

Only the Strong Survive 30.05.2021

Updates on some of our swarms and a new mite prevention plan.

Do Natural Beekeepers Tell us the Truth? 22.05.2021

After reading Keeping Bees with a Smile by Lazuton, I'm not sure there are any Natural beekeepers out there. What do you think.

Hive Updates and More on the No Look Split 16.05.2021

Busy week on the farm with splits, swarming and forward planning decisions on mite treatment.

Will Catching a Swarm Harm Your Bees? 08.05.2021

We all have been told that catching a swarm is a good thing to do. Find out why I'm thinking that's not the case.

Should Bee Keepers Stop Bees from Swarming? 29.04.2021

There is a lot of instruction from "experts" telling beekeepers to stop their bees from swarming. Is this helping or hurting the bees?

Hive inside of Tree Report 22.04.2021

Some initial data on the micro habitat of the living tree hive and other happenings around the farm.

Farm Updates and a great Book to Read 15.04.2021

I talk some more about my attempt to build a hive in a live tree and a fascinating book you need to read.

What is a No Look Split? 10.04.2021

Hive and farm updates with some thoughts on an accidental, new way to split a hive.

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