Preparing for my 3rd Year of Beekeeping - Building hives, cleaning equipment and getting more bees

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  • Опубліковано 18 бер 2024
  • This is my 3rd season of beekeeping and I'm excited to see how much honey we can harvest! In this video I spent some time cleaning my equipment, doing some wood work and also I managed to get hold of a new beehive!
    Check out my Instagram - / alex_smith1809
    Support the Just Alex Channel on Patreon - / justalexsmith
    TikTok - / justalexsmith
    Business enquiries - alexfordhamsmith@gmail.com

КОМЕНТАРІ • 457

  • @avetere71092
    @avetere71092 Місяць тому +249

    I'm a woodworker....please please please don't wear a scarf when using power tools! If that scarf gets caught in that circular saw blade your head will find its way very quickly towards that blade which would not be good. Stay safe! Hope that helps.

  • @Muddaking01
    @Muddaking01 Місяць тому +599

    i really love these videos, they are so calming, no bullshitting and no exaggerating, no show off, just showing the learning process and the reached achievements. Alex please keep up your videos, this ist what i love the most and this is what makes you my fav youtuber

  • @Beekeeping4Hope
    @Beekeeping4Hope Місяць тому +177

    Since I last saw you. Things have really taken off. I’m now a fully registered charity. Love the journey you’ve been on and thanks for the promo last year. 🙏

  • @Cole778
    @Cole778 Місяць тому +99

    This is why I started beekeeping, I attribute you to the reason why I started last year, I tell people all the time :D

    • @Billionf0ld
      @Billionf0ld Місяць тому +4

      Same here, I was inspired by the videos and have begun gathering parts and supplies to start next spring.

    • @minifolko
      @minifolko Місяць тому +2

      me to

  • @isabellajones9450
    @isabellajones9450 Місяць тому +142

    My three year old is fascinated about bees and beekeeping thanks to you and your videos!!! He goes around the house and pretends different things are ‘his beehives’ or ‘his smoker’ or pretending to find ‘his queen bee’. It’s amazing what he picks up from listening to you. Thanks for inspiring him so much!!!

  • @Sue_Anthony
    @Sue_Anthony Місяць тому +61

    Nice vlog Alex, I'm a beekeeper of 60 years, and its good to see someone like yourself really looking after bees, giving good sound information and advice.

  • @Acudit
    @Acudit Місяць тому +20

    Anytime I talk to anyone about my preference for long format videos, I alway go to your channel as my gold standard.
    No bs. Just a wealth of highly entertaining information. A deep dive, if you will, instead of just skiing across the surface of knowledge.

  • @johnanwana5193
    @johnanwana5193 Місяць тому +11

    Bristol resident here. Can't wait to buy your honey! Hopefully i get to know when it goes on sale. I'd be miffed if i miss out because it's sold out.

  • @bennettoast4958
    @bennettoast4958 Місяць тому +55

    Using power tools with the scarf on made me tense up a little! However, the ingenuity and problem solving skills you have are nothing if not admirable. Can't wait for another video when it gets to harvesting season!

    • @carolinelingaitis4744
      @carolinelingaitis4744 Місяць тому +10

      Yes. Alex as a Mom I have to say...... Please be safe and tuck in that scarf when using power tools.

  • @Zogg1281
    @Zogg1281 Місяць тому +32

    *Really Important!!* Please don't wear clothing items like hoodie draw cords or scarves when using power tools..... especially circular saws! If the long dangly thing, that is wrapped around your neck, gets caught in a spinning tool it can get wrapped around the tool really quickly. This means that the bit that's around your neck gets really tight, really quickly...... I hope you can see where this is going? "My circular saw strangled me" looks really back on a headstone 😅

    • @user-zj3sh4zj2i
      @user-zj3sh4zj2i Місяць тому

      Or wearing gloves. Especially with a lathe

    • @user-zj3sh4zj2i
      @user-zj3sh4zj2i Місяць тому

      Don’t wear gloves either. Especially with a lathe

  • @alexandrachristiansen383
    @alexandrachristiansen383 Місяць тому +45

    Yessssss! A video from Alex
    29 minutes of joy!

  • @luci75d76
    @luci75d76 Місяць тому +11

    Alex keep this in mind : every beekeeper is a carpenter ( more or less). I do that for days and weeks in winter Some days i am all day long in workshop ....when you have 500-600 gives you work whole winter

  • @TerrariumDesigns
    @TerrariumDesigns Місяць тому +16

    No better video to watch whilst drinking a morning coffee!

  • @sg224
    @sg224 Місяць тому +30

    Another outstanding video. It never ceases to amaze me how my teen went from zero interest in beekeeping two years ago, to helping me enthusiastically thanks to your videos. Our family loves watching your stuff and we are excited to see what this summer brings!

  • @DimitarPetrevski
    @DimitarPetrevski Місяць тому +7

    My grandpa is a beekeeper for almost 60 years. He scrapes and collects the propolis from the frames and majority of it he sells for usage in different medicines. Keeps a bit for himself and puts it in his rakija bottles (fruit spirit). He believes this is the secret to his longevity (beekeeping, honey + rakija with propolis) - 87 years old. Thank you for the video, brings back memories of childhood, harvesting honey and selling it later with my grandpa on the market.

  • @jaejinplaysgames3839
    @jaejinplaysgames3839 Місяць тому +16

    I came across your channel about a year ago. now I've recently started my own vegetable garden. I don't really know what I'm doing and just playing along as it goes. Thank you for inspiring me Alex

    • @PlatinumIrishrose
      @PlatinumIrishrose 29 днів тому

      Gardening books, there are loads at the library. And local knowledge from gardening folks in the neighborhood. There is a book that I had that talked about veggies you can plant together to utilize the space in your plot(s).
      Keep us posted!

  • @damianromaniak3336
    @damianromaniak3336 Місяць тому +5

    It's funny because I started watching you when I became a beekeeper myself

  • @mmb_MeAndMyBees
    @mmb_MeAndMyBees Місяць тому +8

    Yeah : You got yourself a "Warre Hive." I just love them. Have several here in my Garden. Made loads of my own Equipment too. Have Nationals, Langstroths, Warre and a huge Horizontal Hive. All doing well here in Scotland.
    Tip:
    I would do a Warre to National transfer (why would you ? Keep the Warre Hive too.)
    By cutting only a Third of the Comb out of the Warre Frame : Leaving about x2 Inches of Comb in the Top of the Warre Frame (Bees will draw down more Wax in these. Back to normal.)
    Keep the Comb the right way up ! And use Elastic Bands around your National Frames, to keep this Comb in place, until the Bees build them with secure holding Brace Comb.
    If any Beek has a Langstroth Hive : Warre and National Super Frames fit within them. Just Inset that 2nd Frame and Zip Tie one Top Rail to another. Simples.
    Hope this helps. 😎
    🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
    Happy Beekeeping 2024.
    🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
    I have made Langstroth, Nats and Warre Nuc Hives. All using Pallet Wood. Use the ones that are light Pine Wood with only "Heated Treated" Logo or Image on them. Really easy to break down into lovely Planks, Glue these together to make Walls, Floors, even cut up into Frames.
    All doable in DIY terms. Add a little bit of Essential Lemon Grass Oil onto a bit of Cotton Wool, or melt that 'Dark Bees Wax' to make a "Bait Hive" by catching a Swarm. A Free Bee Hive and Free Bees. Had x3 Swarms find me last Year. 👍 Yes they were local Black Bees and no, not any of my Bees swarming, but 'Bees from the local environment finding me.'
    What's not to like. . .🙃

    • @Flippin_Crazy
      @Flippin_Crazy Місяць тому

      Wow! Thank you SO much for that wealth of knowledge ❤️🇺🇸

  • @DannyTheViking
    @DannyTheViking Місяць тому +4

    I hope you make a video dedicated to making mead using your own mead and messing with flavours. I really like how you put your videos together.

  • @vonbondeuce5368
    @vonbondeuce5368 Місяць тому +6

    Alex, go grab a pop-up gazebo. They're super cheap and will serve as a shelter for selling at markets and help you keep your woodworking up in the garden/by the hive in the rain. Much love.

  • @aaronedwards3007
    @aaronedwards3007 Місяць тому +3

    this will be my 3rd year of watching your bee keeping. super excited for this years videos.

  • @TheChapelMouse
    @TheChapelMouse Місяць тому +15

    Great to see you back Alex! Watching your mushroom growing video got me interested in it, and I'm currently building an environment control panel for a Martha tent. So thanks for that! Love your style and presentation. You really are a breath of fresh air on youtube!

    • @Delibro
      @Delibro Місяць тому +1

      I won't watch his mushroom video. Otherwise I'll start a mushroom business ... Alex is so inspiring :D

  • @s.williams3214
    @s.williams3214 Місяць тому +3

    Using the circular saw with your lovely scarf dangling nearby made me so anxious :'))

  • @keepingupwithcarson
    @keepingupwithcarson Місяць тому +11

    Lmao nooo not the spilled screws! I've done that! I felt that in my soul! 😢😂
    Ooooo pretty color! I love blue 💙!

  • @Mxegan
    @Mxegan Місяць тому +10

    These are my comfort videos, thankyou Alex ❤

  • @ruairiloughran
    @ruairiloughran Місяць тому +8

    I hate to be a pain pal, but im gonna need more videos.
    The honest and calming nature of you, and your videos, has become one of my favourite things on UA-cam.
    Your range of interests and approach to learning new things is fascinating. You are doing an excellent job pal. But please, more videos

  • @carolinacruz0
    @carolinacruz0 Місяць тому +5

    I absolutely love these videos, I find myself rewatching every video weekly!
    Alex created such an awesome community

  • @SethRichardson614
    @SethRichardson614 Місяць тому +5

    New beekeeping update !! been waiting for this one.

  • @slayer2450
    @slayer2450 Місяць тому +4

    Glad to see another year of beekeeping

  • @jonathanluce9130
    @jonathanluce9130 Місяць тому +5

    Very impressed, your woodworking skills are coming along well, and it's going to save you loads of money on hives, keep up the good work!

  • @Erikaahh_Mae
    @Erikaahh_Mae Місяць тому +6

    Yay i have been rediscovering your videos recently. Im so glad theres another video!

  • @kiaya007
    @kiaya007 Місяць тому +1

    Agreed Alex you will find making the hives easier with each one you make and less of a hassle. Having someplace to make them other than the cramped space of your back garden will also make it easier. Perhaps the people who allow you to keep your bees on their property have somewhere you may use for making your hives in future. It should not be very difficult for them to allow you to use a space for a short time each winter to do this. Keep getting the parts ready made so it only takes some cutting/assembly and having your own tools and other stuff so you wont need anything else of theirs. So ask them if you may use a little corner of a small shed for a few days a year to build your hives and who knows you may get lucky. Some thank you honey every year always helps sweeten the deal. (sorry had to do that lol) As your operation grows your profits each year will be best spent to fund the next season and save some of that profit for future things like getting a small plot of land and build a shed as your first base to grow your business from. From humble beginnings big things grow. You are a humble man so that's half the puzzle solved. 😁👍

  • @SteveRolo765
    @SteveRolo765 Місяць тому +5

    I always enjoy it when you release a new video

  • @Felix_KS
    @Felix_KS Місяць тому +5

    BEE TIME BABY!!

  • @virginiaroberts3367
    @virginiaroberts3367 Місяць тому +6

    Hi Alex good to see you and your bee's again. May you have a fun and productive year. You're an inspiration! Cheers

  • @gravity00x
    @gravity00x Місяць тому +3

    Beekeeping is on my bucket list, thanks to you! You're a big inspiration to many people.

  • @craggles
    @craggles Місяць тому +2

    Alex you're back ..at last ..seems like a millennium ago ..hope Bristol is treating you well..I'm so indulgent when you talk about the machinations of anything /everything ..all the comments (any/all) are the signature of your style ..I've learnt so much about bees ..thanks Mr Myagi of Bees

  • @DontDoDaylight
    @DontDoDaylight Місяць тому +8

    Truly appreciate your work, Alex. Thanks.

  • @realYambu
    @realYambu Місяць тому +3

    Now you know what an ordeal it is to build the hives yourself :) always a learning experience, glad to be tagging along

  • @NKYHoneyBees
    @NKYHoneyBees Місяць тому +4

    *Hi Alex, I've been watching your bee journey since the beginning :) I must say, it's awesome and you've come a long way. Making your own equipment is much cheaper. I wish you a great beekeeping season this year. Keep us updated.*

  • @darkangelgames9953
    @darkangelgames9953 Місяць тому +1

    Here’s a tip Alex, when you’re done harvesting your honey sit your hives with the frames out in your bee yard for about a week and your bees will finish the process of harvesting your honey

  • @ninasaunders7565
    @ninasaunders7565 Місяць тому

    The quality of your editing is so good! I enjoy not just the content of the video but the quay of your editing. Keep up the good work Alex!

  • @southerncaltattooedbiker3643
    @southerncaltattooedbiker3643 Місяць тому +1

    I was so excited to see two new Videos Alex you should be so proud of your self making your own boxes and everything I'm very proud of you no matter what you are amazing 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝

  • @daviddeane7293
    @daviddeane7293 Місяць тому +2

    Nice one Alex it's always nice when you do a film 🎥 on your bee's 🐝 it's always very interesting it will be nice when the weather starts getting better 🐝🐝🐝😁👍

  • @mo_hennep
    @mo_hennep Місяць тому +2

    Time flies. Feels like yesterday that you’ve uploaded the first bee video

  • @benjaminberic7213
    @benjaminberic7213 Місяць тому

    Just an advice. When you want to screw the thinner pieces of wood, drill them out first and then screw to prevent splitting. I do woodworking as a hobby and also had learning curve.
    If you want to "close" the screw holes you can mix fine saw dust and white wood glue. Apply it to mask the screws and once it solidifies, just pass few times with the sand paper. Best regards from Croatia :)

  • @Jenniferhartong
    @Jenniferhartong Місяць тому

    I love how you also show the struggles with what you're doing. Whenever I make stuff and I break or drop things I always feel like an idiot, but I guess it happens to all of us. Good luck with the bees this year!

  • @TheReaper1
    @TheReaper1 Місяць тому +2

    Great video! I recently became obsessed with bee keeping even though I don’t even own a single thing yet. Your journey has been amazing and I’m definitely looking forward to getting into the hobby, great job with everything you do Alex! Keep at it with the tools as well, the more experience you give yourself the better you will become! Cheers!

  • @NikaVillePlays
    @NikaVillePlays Місяць тому +2

    I have been following you and your vids of planting, bees and beer for a good while, and i am absolutly loving it.
    I used to get panic attacks around bees, and last year i didnt cause i now know to much more about them becasue of you!
    So thank you for putting out such great and informative content!
    Keep up the good work! Looking forward to more vids! :D

  • @PokemonxFanxGirl
    @PokemonxFanxGirl Місяць тому +2

    There's something so endearing about your voice 😊 I love listening to you talk!

  • @Lovelife10934
    @Lovelife10934 Місяць тому +3

    I really love all your videos!! You inspire me to have these things I want like bees, my own garden to have my own food. And feel accomplish!! God Bless!!❤️🙏🏻✝️🙌🏻

  • @cheesesandwich9475
    @cheesesandwich9475 Місяць тому +5

    Hey Alex I love your videos they always relax me keep it up!

  • @sarahtyster7342
    @sarahtyster7342 Місяць тому

    honestly always a delight. thanks

  • @TheKoiPartner
    @TheKoiPartner Місяць тому +1

    I love the bees 🐝😍

  • @izabelasiczek3547
    @izabelasiczek3547 Місяць тому +1

    It always surprises me that videos like this with so much info & knowledge get so little views in comparison to some gossip reaction to stupid "pranks" get millions of views !

  • @tureehnring4632
    @tureehnring4632 Місяць тому +2

    Finally a new bee video! I have waited waaay to long. Keep it up mate ;)

  • @katrinarose2210
    @katrinarose2210 Місяць тому +1

    I cant believe ive been watching you for over 2 years, heres to a hardy harvest this season, i look forward to the videos

  • @puppysubdoll13
    @puppysubdoll13 Місяць тому +1

    Im so invested in this video.. ive been watching ur others. But tbh i never knew beekeeping is so relaxing to watch 😂

  • @terryrussell5392
    @terryrussell5392 Місяць тому

    i agree about the videos that they are calming to listen to , good job Alex

  • @lewisglennie
    @lewisglennie Місяць тому +1

    Hey Alex. Love the content as usual. However, please don’t wear a scarf when you’re using a circle saw. It’s unbelievably dangerous because if it catches in the blade, the instinct is to try and grab it, which is a great way of cutting a finger off. Keep up the good work mate🙏

  • @Topazurey
    @Topazurey Місяць тому +3

    Alex where have you been?!?!?! Just kidding, love your videos! Keep it up 😇😇

  • @ManuelaFuths
    @ManuelaFuths Місяць тому

    I allways waiting for your videos. Thanks for your continuing🙏
    Love from germany 🇩🇪♥️

  • @Enderman0415
    @Enderman0415 Місяць тому +1

    15:57 oh my god they went from cool to ADORABLE

  • @maxmexmellow312
    @maxmexmellow312 6 днів тому

    That paint was so scrumptious

  • @banga7714
    @banga7714 Місяць тому +1

    I really love your beekeeping videos, it feels like a decade since you posted about them

  • @hokusail450
    @hokusail450 Місяць тому +2

    It's a good day when Alex uploads a new video! keep it up Alex love the content.

  • @Budynga
    @Budynga Місяць тому +3

    Hi Alex! If you use screws, it is worth drilling holes in the wood first. Then it won't crack.
    Greetings from Poland!

  • @floe_honey
    @floe_honey Місяць тому +4

    hurray! Alex is back! Love your garden videos and the beekeeping! Just bought my own Flow Hive and waiting for my bees to arrive! Think I wnt my own UA-cam channel with bees and gardenstuff. Thanks for the inspiration!

  • @lusty9410
    @lusty9410 Місяць тому +3

    great video as always Alex, just a bit of advice and a warning about wearing long scarves when using the circular saw, be very careful that the scarf doesn't get caught up in the blade of the circular saw or it could be a very bad day 😅🤣

  • @dcrowsfeet
    @dcrowsfeet Місяць тому +1

    I really enjoy watching you with your beekeeping. I have always been afraid of bees, but learning about them from you have made them feel more familiar and not so scary. I now see them as little critters instead of scary insects, if that makes sense! Thank you for teaching us!

  • @Joelsmarbleruns
    @Joelsmarbleruns Місяць тому +1

    Your videos are amazing and inspiring. Can you please do some more gardening please.

  • @kali576z
    @kali576z Місяць тому +2

    Hi, nice to see how you apiary still growing.
    but Horses are too close your bees, please think about it!
    last time, I was on bee training, the lecturer told stories about dramatic situation, when the horse owner tied his horse near apiary, and the the bees stung the horse to death, because horse smell is like aim for bees.

  • @fishwithmatthew
    @fishwithmatthew Місяць тому +1

    You and Carl are my 2 favourite UA-camrs

  • @rickyjessome4359
    @rickyjessome4359 Місяць тому +2

    Fantastic video Alex! I hope this is the best year yet for a honey harvest. Looking forward to the future videos. Cheers

  • @kristimitchell5749
    @kristimitchell5749 Місяць тому +1

    It's fun to watch your beekeeping journey, and I am excited to see how well you do this year on your honey harvest! Good luck!

  • @myjoicare
    @myjoicare Місяць тому +1

    I also love watching these videos! And the English accent along with your jargon is really fascinating to listen too. Thank you for all the hard work you put into your harvesting and videos!

  • @mrfreetime5177
    @mrfreetime5177 Місяць тому

    Just watched you 2 years of beekeeping video last night glad to see another video

  • @l0ner1der
    @l0ner1der Місяць тому

    Really good Alex, you've got some decent tools there too now. Keep up the good work 👍👍

  • @scottmills2627
    @scottmills2627 Місяць тому

    What a nice young man Alex is well done keep up the good work

  • @seanfourie6739
    @seanfourie6739 Місяць тому +2

    Alex, I love your beekeeping videos, you have inspired me to finally take up beekeeping, I've wanted to do it for a little while but just didn't have time or the motivation for it. But hopefully within the next 3 months I'll have my colony. Please keep making the videos and working hard. Much love from South Africa

  • @rachelsly992
    @rachelsly992 Місяць тому

    I am hoping to start keeping bees in the coming months/year and I love watching your videos to learn more about the process and also, you have a very pleasant and relaxing mannerism. Keep up the good work! Pro tip for work working: when using a motorized rotary tool (like a saw) try not to wear loose clothing especially around your neck (like a scarf). Be safe and I can't wait to see the next video.

  • @sambudge4761
    @sambudge4761 Місяць тому +2

    yessss BEE'S are back

  • @andrewlay88
    @andrewlay88 Місяць тому

    Very nice work on the crown and nuc boxs my man. Love your content, very soothing.

  • @nigelbelmont5757
    @nigelbelmont5757 Місяць тому

    Good to see you back Alex.

  • @LexKaiNix
    @LexKaiNix Місяць тому +3

    Everything is looking good, Alex!
    Hopefully your smaller colony thrives once it starts to warm up and they’ve got some decent weather to forage 🫶🏻
    Also, nice to see some bulbs. Ours have been out all winter 🫤🤷🏻 I don’t think they realise we had a winter 😆

  • @Sam-sk7lc
    @Sam-sk7lc Місяць тому

    Your honey harvest video last year made me want bees

  • @RegularBiscuit
    @RegularBiscuit Місяць тому +1

    always a good day when Alex drops an slice of life

  • @judenew5442
    @judenew5442 Місяць тому

    Fantastic to see what you are doing now. Warre hives are used a lot in France, they are top bar hives, a bit of research will show you how to move the bees into a National Hive.

  • @envizsagebees
    @envizsagebees Місяць тому +1

    The long wait for another of your awesome bee video is over. - Hello from Melbourne Australia

  • @MyChannel-di2ho
    @MyChannel-di2ho Місяць тому

    love following your bee keeping journey, its on my bucket list when i retire....

  • @helenhawkins4054
    @helenhawkins4054 Місяць тому

    Impressive, l’m so pleased to have found your channel 🤗👍🐝

  • @Pot399
    @Pot399 Місяць тому

    I really like your videos, Your just so down to earth, And i love that ,Keep up the good work

  • @mscudde2
    @mscudde2 Місяць тому +1

    Love your videos Alex!

  • @angelad.8944
    @angelad.8944 Місяць тому +1

    I love how we turn into grumpy old men and women when winter drags on, lol. ☺ Building your own, even if it is just once for now, has so much value to it. Good on you for giving it a go. I also will be inheriting some lovely bee ladies from an acquaintance. Very exciting when free bees come to us. Looking forward to your upcoming season.

  • @betty20s
    @betty20s Місяць тому +1

    Lovely video again Alex. Thanks a lot for making this beautiful content!

  • @IceAngel_LR
    @IceAngel_LR Місяць тому +1

    These videos are always so satisfying and calming to watch!❤

  • @ermao2715
    @ermao2715 Місяць тому

    Another great video, thank you Alex. Love the new music choice! 😁

  • @LucyEllis-jl4nm
    @LucyEllis-jl4nm Місяць тому

    One of my favourite youtubers and always watch your videos straight away! :)

  • @user-mk3hl8fk7x
    @user-mk3hl8fk7x Місяць тому

    i love this cute comfy house that you live in, and you've made such a lovely beehives, i like the color! Waiting for more videos of yours! :)

  • @safaa9654
    @safaa9654 Місяць тому +2

    Cant wait to see the candle making again!!