Becoming a Beekeeper - Day 1 till Day 365 - my first Honey Harvest - 1 year of Keeping bees

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 พ.ย. 2024

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  • @TheDutchMagicTeacher
    @TheDutchMagicTeacher ปีที่แล้ว +5091

    Thank you youtube algorithm, for making me now super interested in this random guy's bee keeping project.

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +344

      Happy that you found it!

    • @LucasBarbosa-uq6zo
      @LucasBarbosa-uq6zo ปีที่แล้ว +42

      +1

    • @XGODBGMI777
      @XGODBGMI777 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Man you're awesome ❤ keep the multimillionaire alex honey on high ❤❤❤ i've got high hopes on you

    • @lptblue6
      @lptblue6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Lol same

    • @BlaBlubiNoName
      @BlaBlubiNoName ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@just_alex ure great keep ure work up and i also love to see ure Vids with Vegatbles and growing . Thank you alot mate :)

  • @ValNaUnd
    @ValNaUnd ปีที่แล้ว +6183

    You just made me watch almost 2 hours of beekeeping when i was never even interested in it great job cant wait for the next year

  • @barneyrutherford3761
    @barneyrutherford3761 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +292

    Hi Alex
    My name is barney and i just wanted to reach out and tell you you how much you have changed my life i’m 12 years old and i have turned my garden into a huge vegetable patch just like you. I have also started beekeeping and making my own honey and all of this is because of you you inspired me to to this without you this wouldn’t have been possible. It is also nice that we both live in England so the temperature for the plants and bees are the same so i can follow what you do step by step (i live in Essex by the way)
    Thank you

    • @kongkarry
      @kongkarry 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      lol

    • @Annpalekreyol
      @Annpalekreyol 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

      That is so great.

    • @barneyrutherford3761
      @barneyrutherford3761 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      @@Annpalekreyol thanks

    • @B30pt87
      @B30pt87 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

      It's very cool to read that. Giving thanks is wonderful, and it makes both giver and receiver feel good. (Onlookers too!)

    • @kategasson7832
      @kategasson7832 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      That’s so lovely!

  • @toddwelsh8353
    @toddwelsh8353 ปีที่แล้ว +1206

    20+ year beekeeper here. You did the best representation of what it is like to have a swarm and to catch it. The shaky chest cam, the music, the dialog (with the slightly stressed voice.) all of it.

    • @amberbydreamsart5467
      @amberbydreamsart5467 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      @@gametimewithjc4307 i'm just a person who watches swarm videos on youtube, but my understanding is since the bees who are swarming are homeless, they're at their most cautious and docile when swarming - hence people just picking up handfuls of bees and dumping them into buckets and the like. it's very intense to have so many flying but it's not as dangerous as it seems

    • @TheAnnoyingBoss
      @TheAnnoyingBoss ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Incredible creatures

    • @dipoboyrogu9366
      @dipoboyrogu9366 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      hi todd, can you pls tell me what kind of bee is he cultivating? name of the bee?

    • @johanconradie2120
      @johanconradie2120 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      me beeing since 1959

    • @genevievebarker943
      @genevievebarker943 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ​@TheAnnoyingBoss truly fascinating!

  • @electrontube
    @electrontube ปีที่แล้ว +621

    dude, you have the coolest parents. it seems like they support you with whatever you're pursuing. "Dad, can I use your greenhouse?". "Mom, can I set up a beehive in the backyard?"
    they just seem so supportive.

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +154

      Yeah I’m very grateful for very kind supportive parents. :)

    • @CaptainFrandy
      @CaptainFrandy ปีที่แล้ว +13

      he is very lucky

    • @Annpalekreyol
      @Annpalekreyol 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      What? Mostly American parents refuse their children the right to their property because their Monday is nlwired to be greedy capitalist the more for me the better. Hahaha

  • @johnvansloun7443
    @johnvansloun7443 ปีที่แล้ว +293

    I watched this several months ago, joined a bee club, took a bee class put on by the club, purchased two nuc’s and caught a swarm, and now have 3 hives! Found my daughter and I watching this again this morning, Love your content!

    • @sCareCrowmerk
      @sCareCrowmerk ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I really wanna get into beekeeping. Just need land to start

    • @carolineowen7846
      @carolineowen7846 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@sCareCrowmerkMaybe join your local Beekeeping Association and ask, you might be able to work with an experienced beekeeper?

    • @JFunk717
      @JFunk717 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@sCareCrowmerkI’m thinking about asking local farmers, orchards, and such in my area if they would allow me to put a hive or two on their land. Even the local parks on the edge of the city may receive a request. Who knows?

    • @genevievebarker943
      @genevievebarker943 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ​@@sCareCrowmerkbalcony?

    • @genevievebarker943
      @genevievebarker943 23 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      ​@@JFunk717Great suggestions.

  • @Simsung
    @Simsung ปีที่แล้ว +934

    My uncle had this rather large bell, which the bees thought was thunder.
    Whenever he wanted them to get back into the hives, he would smash that bell a couple of times and you could literally SEE the bees rush back home from all directions.

    • @doulacoach6801
      @doulacoach6801 ปีที่แล้ว +60

      Laughing. Love that!

    • @derpy_guy2003
      @derpy_guy2003 ปีที่แล้ว +168

      Like minecraft villagers lol.

    • @dogrudiyosun
      @dogrudiyosun ปีที่แล้ว +31

      @@derpy_guy2003 age of empires

    • @Vesdus
      @Vesdus ปีที่แล้ว +6

      That's amazing!

    • @katrinakershawphillips9884
      @katrinakershawphillips9884 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      That's hilarious! I guess if the bees are conditioned to respond or semi-trained to respond to the vibrations. I am curious what the reward was???

  • @asefi7946
    @asefi7946 ปีที่แล้ว +865

    I have never thought I would watch almost 2 hours of a bee keeping video but i did happily,
    Great job mate

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +29

      Thanks!

    • @shavonnegleich678
      @shavonnegleich678 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Me too-simply fascinating!

    • @williamgoring7605
      @williamgoring7605 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I know I'm doing the same thing I've watched like 2 hours of this already and her voice is so calming I feel like going to sleep

    • @terrylouispage4346
      @terrylouispage4346 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Me also, good vibes

    • @Sqk.
      @Sqk. ปีที่แล้ว

      @@williamgoring7605her?

  • @Lord_SQUIDIOUS
    @Lord_SQUIDIOUS 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

    You are genuinely one of my favorite TH-camrs. No over the top music, no constant brain stimulation, very calm and realistic. Just a guy enjoying life, thank you for that, it’s rare to see nowadays.

    • @genevievebarker943
      @genevievebarker943 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Totally enjoyable, educational and inspiring!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

  • @mellarius188
    @mellarius188 ปีที่แล้ว +1110

    Excellent video. As a fellow beekeeper, you made me laugh when you said ‘I don’t know what’s going on’ and ‘it’s complicated’ and ‘I am confused’. 7 years into beekeeping, I still say all these things. 😂
    I love that you have crafted a video from a whole years worth of video of your learning experience. The novice beekeeping energy combined with your ability to tell a story well with your natural charm is wonderful.
    Good luck with 2023!
    ❤ from Melbourne, Australia

    • @aihuazeng7747
      @aihuazeng7747 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hello fellow Australian

    • @BeeKayy13
      @BeeKayy13 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Also from Melbourne! How are your bees and how's your honey stores, would love to buy some! I have a friend down the road who's Dad has honey but I would love to try some more from somebody else!!

  • @bordonwork
    @bordonwork ปีที่แล้ว +464

    I'm glad there's still good quality content on YT. I got so immersive into your beekeeping journey that I didn't realize the video lasted almost 2 hours.

    • @robknorr
      @robknorr ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I totally agree. Your video is so charming and interesting it really inspires me to go out and do something I haven’t done yet. Would love to have my own bees as well. Thank you! :)

    • @lordfizzz
      @lordfizzz ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I haven't been this engaged in long form TH-cam content in EONS. This really is an incredible video

  • @soco4o1
    @soco4o1 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    It was cool to see you give your brother the first jar of honey.. I have 4 brothers myself. That was probably the coolest part of the video for me, seeing all your hard work pay off and then selflessly giving it away. Congrats

  • @Georgiiou
    @Georgiiou ปีที่แล้ว +283

    2 hours of enjoyment i never knew i needed, keep it up!

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +26

      Thanks so much ❤️

  • @allisg3320
    @allisg3320 ปีที่แล้ว +513

    You know you've got a good brother when you can ask him, who is allergic to bees, to go out and film you during a swarm without protective gear.

    • @olsha004
      @olsha004 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      my partner is allergic to bees and I was anxious for them just by watching this! lol

  • @LikeAboss168
    @LikeAboss168 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +37

    I’m 20 minutes into this video and it feels like 5 mins have gone by and I’m getting an explanation from a good friend on how to start bee keeping. Awesome video!

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Makes me happy to read this comment. I’m glad you enjoyed :)

  • @inked-qt
    @inked-qt ปีที่แล้ว +256

    Don't have bees, don't want bees but couldn't stop watching. Great video Alex

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Glad you enjoyed!

  • @farmyourbackyard2023
    @farmyourbackyard2023 ปีที่แล้ว +349

    My late husband always wanted to keep bees again after we were married, but never followed through with it. In his honor, I bought a horizontal hive in December as a gift to myself. I'll be setting it up in the spring, here in Oklahoma, USA, and hope to have the same exciting results you enjoyed in this first year with your bees. Thank you for taking the time to film and share your experiences.

    • @chris_aguy2141
      @chris_aguy2141 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Good Luck!

    • @chas2can124
      @chas2can124 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Darling, I do hope you are well. I'm from Australia. I share your sentiment. Let me know how you go with your Memorial Hive.

    • @HeyJyll
      @HeyJyll ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Rooting for you from Virginia!

  • @sg224
    @sg224 ปีที่แล้ว +114

    I suggested our family start keeping bees and was met with scepticism from my teenage daughter. She found your video and you got her so excited and full of knowledge she forwarded this onto me to watch 😂
    Thank you for helping me gain the enthusiasm of my children! I love your videos anyway, I got hooked after your growing mushrooms in your bedroom videos, so I was super happy it was your beekeeping video that sparked her interest. Keep up the great work!

    • @spoolsandbobbins
      @spoolsandbobbins ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That’s it! I’m sending this to my daughters!! Thanks ❤ from Nova Scotia

  • @noelsussex9163
    @noelsussex9163 ปีที่แล้ว +401

    Seven year beekeeper... I wish I had seen this video before I started. Smile. It is a very common belief that a swarm of bees will attack in a group if you disturb them. In fact, they don't. The guard bees will actually warn you off if they feel threatened. And a real swarm (moving to a new location) is very docile. Great video.

    • @LucJenson
      @LucJenson ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Absolutely love bees. There's a few colonies in Seoul Forest which I love to watch in the spring and summer months. It's a bit of a journey to visit them but I've loved bees forever. If I had any kind of outdoor space I'd gladly host a colony. They're incredibly smart and careful creatures, bees. I wish more folks who are able to would work to support them.

    • @classymonkey_
      @classymonkey_ ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Could you answer something for me.
      I thought that the first queen to hatch will go around and kill the other cells so she would be the only one, am I wrong in thinking this?

    • @aoki6332
      @aoki6332 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@classymonkey_ yes the new queen first action is to destroy all other cell and if two queen hatch they will fight each other to the death so yeah its not necessary to do it yourself and could cause the hive to be queenless if the remaining one get destroy or is not a adequate queen

    • @spirestocksnotification6710
      @spirestocksnotification6710 ปีที่แล้ว

      You are correct@@classymonkey_

    • @spirestocksnotification6710
      @spirestocksnotification6710 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great response! Genius!!, which is why most bee keepers keep at least two cells and for those that have numerous hives will use the "extra" quuen cells as splits or requeen older hives@@aoki6332

  • @rikeyaustin88
    @rikeyaustin88 ปีที่แล้ว +395

    Hi Alex
    I'm in Tipperary Ireland where me and husband dude run a tiny, free, food sustainability project.
    I did a bee keeping course last year, read the books and watched videos and felt more and more confused and overwhelmed. After the latest talk last night I was close the panicking and giving up on the idea until I sat nursing a coffee at 5am this morning and your video popped up.
    Thank you so, so much. It's by far the clearest, plain english, newbie reassuring video I've watched in over a year.
    You're totally turned me around. I've realised that mistakes probably will be made and disasters will happen but I can get through them.
    Wishing you so much joy with whatever you're doing and once again, thank you. Xxx

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +51

      Thanks! So happy to hear this. Best of luck with it! 😊

    • @oskar751
      @oskar751 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      ITS A LONG WAYYYY TO TIPPERARYYY

    • @vile8366
      @vile8366 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      ​@@oskar751 IT'S A LONG WAY, TO GO!!

    • @thehillsidegardener3961
      @thehillsidegardener3961 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Same, I feel like I KIND of knew most of this stuff from watching a lot of beekeeping content, but watching this guy bumble (geddit?) his way through a first year of it, so much fit into place, I feel like I could actually go ahead with this myself (I have land, just haven't taken the plunge yet).

    • @martha7157
      @martha7157 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Do it confused and nervous! ❤

  • @johnwilson3165
    @johnwilson3165 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Hi Alex, Its johnny from Canada , i think what your doing is very admiral ,as far as im concerned anyone who gets into the business of bee keeping are stewards of the earth, in this day and age (2024) it sounds like bee populations have climbed back up and thats because of people like you who care and who are willing to give it a go, bee keepers i ve found are very pationate about the bees and highly protective of them , this is something to be proud of because lets face it without bees we are nothing ! i salute all the bee keepers around the world we owe you a debt of gratitude , on top of that there is nothing better for us than that liquid gold and all its life saving qualities ,So raise your spoon of honey, CHEERS to the Bee keepers and most of all to the Bees !!

  • @RockyMtnBeeSupply
    @RockyMtnBeeSupply 2 ปีที่แล้ว +276

    Awesome job Alex. I’m a beekeeper in Northern California. I’ve been keeping bees for 10 years and have watched 100’s of beekeeping videos and this kept my interest for the entire time. I enjoyed seeing your excitement as well as your disappointments. It reminds me of my first year of keeping bees. I too started with 1 hive and grew from there. Now have 100+. Next spring you’ll be able to make some splits and you may even want to try to rear your own queens. Rearing queens and making my own splits/nucs brings me as much satisfaction as a nice honey crop.

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  2 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      Thanks Gary! Yes I’m excited for next year! 😊 Best of luck to you!

    • @sharonaepstein4348
      @sharonaepstein4348 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you so much for this video! I loved every moment ❤ I started my first hive last season and sadly lost all my girls in October.. i must have killed my queen by mistake..Looking forward to starting over next season.. with 2 hives this time! Best wishes to you and your adventures

    • @AverageApeStudios
      @AverageApeStudios ปีที่แล้ว +2

      What part of nor cal? I’m from Redding and I’m looking to get into getting my very first hive. Been doing a lot of info dumping and researching and it is great to see the progress and support for this video and his journey!

    • @Prosth3tiks
      @Prosth3tiks ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I am also in northern California and started farming recently, I have some interest in bee keeping.. where should I start?

    • @feelswriter
      @feelswriter ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Apparently -- join a club 😃

  • @JoshMedrozo
    @JoshMedrozo ปีที่แล้ว +212

    Dude I just watched almost 2 hrs of your bee keeping journey when I don't even plan on keeping bees nor was I looking for a bee keeping video. My daughter just happened to play your video and just watched it till the end. I was also overjoyed when I saw the honey. awesome job and keep it up. cheers mate!

    • @patgentry7268
      @patgentry7268 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Great video, thanks for your record and good editing! As a beekeeper for most of my last twenty years, I tell folks there is Time Travel, Space Travel, and Bees. Only one is easy to take on, and just as amazing. I think you are on your way!

  • @MohammedAslamtit-bitsoflife
    @MohammedAslamtit-bitsoflife 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +13

    The most important point i wanted to make here is that you didn't forget to present the first harvest among the neighborhood and relatives. This is the essence of life. Be blessed my dear Alex you are encouraging others world wide to engage in the humane way of bee keeping. 🏵️🌺🌹🌷💐🎄🌲👊👍 Lots of love from Mohammad Aslam/Hyderabad India 🙏🏵️

  • @managemymoney
    @managemymoney ปีที่แล้ว +178

    I've always wanted to be a beekeeper, I'm 14 and this video is really encouraging me to follow my dream of keeping bees! it was really instructive but I will obviously need to do a lot more research about this amazing topic. I have quit a few neighbors that have bees as-well as family, its nice to know that other people are so willing to get you started in this cool hobby. that's again!

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Best of luck with it! :)

  • @ruththinkingoutside.707
    @ruththinkingoutside.707 ปีที่แล้ว +166

    I’m not sure why this popped up on my feed.. but it was a well produced and interesting journey.. thanks for taking the time to put it all on film and assemble it to share.. best of luck next season!

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @margaretatristain8028
    @margaretatristain8028 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Hello Alex : my name is Margaret A, at Tapalap Jalisco , in a ranch. and the bee keeper left me 30 boxes and im starting to learn . your your youtube . is helping me out. step by step.

  • @jessej.cisneros6849
    @jessej.cisneros6849 ปีที่แล้ว +153

    Congratulations Alex for what your doing and the views you are receiving. Today is my father's 95 birthday. We watched a portion of this video together. He was a migratory beekeeper in the late 1950's and early 1960's. He was in charge of 1000 hives. He would drive a truck loaded with bees from California to Nebraska twice a week.
    He enjoyed seeing the bees and your hives. Thank you for your content. Wishing you well and much success.

    • @PlatinumIrishrose
      @PlatinumIrishrose ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Such a cool family story. Write it down. Pass it on.😊

  • @alantooth48
    @alantooth48 ปีที่แล้ว +217

    I have never been a beekeeper but I find it so incredibly fascinating it's like a little mini city in a box they all have their own little jobs to do it's amazing how such a small little insect has all these instincts programmed into it. Alex you made a great video !You're very good at this and I hope you keep making them. You're very enjoyable to listen to and I like your accent 😀 Good luck I'm going to keep watching your channel!

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Thanks!

    • @yeoinbird
      @yeoinbird ปีที่แล้ว

      couldn't have said any of that better myself!! 100% ditto what he said!

  • @Lamborghini07
    @Lamborghini07 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Been beekeeping for 12 yrs now and we just rebuilding due to 27% loss of winter. Happy to see new beekeeper find the joy and fun of beekeeping and i wish you success for the future. ❤

  • @allnaturalhomesteaders
    @allnaturalhomesteaders ปีที่แล้ว +160

    Rent a bee, is a really big thing here in the states, because the bees are dying off. But basically what it is, is you rent out your hives to farmers so they can pollinate their fields. Of course it's expensive to rent a hive. And you'll still get the honey from the boxes. And you'll still have to tend the boxes. But yeah you can totally make money from your hives

    • @rebeccaconlon9743
      @rebeccaconlon9743 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Rent a bee hives are typically what kills bees, the don't do so well with mono cultures

    • @jeffklaubo3168
      @jeffklaubo3168 ปีที่แล้ว

      FUN FACT!
      Honey bees are not Native to the US and are one of the primary causes of the native species dying off. They out compete our native species, but our native species such as the blue orchard bee which is a significantly better pollinator, do not give us honey, so we don't seem to care.

    • @PilotMcbride
      @PilotMcbride ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Big thing in Australia as well, tens of thousands of hives are moved around the country for the different flowering seasons.

    • @darkracer1252
      @darkracer1252 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@rebeccaconlon9743 sure bro

    • @CVE42287
      @CVE42287 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@joeyaldente8858 Get a grip champ, this was an entirely useless comment.

  • @grandsea2
    @grandsea2 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    I must say your demeanor and voice are both soothing and captivating....you're not over the top as some do, nor are you flat and boring. You'd do great as a National Geographic or other Documentary film Narrator. Watching/listening to this video was both inspiring and interesting! Good job and good luck in all that you do!

  • @fthfhhdf
    @fthfhhdf 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This year im going to take in charge my grandpa's bees after his sadly death and this video is so amazing. Thank you im hoping to have some honey next summer and learn a lot. But mostly keeping the memory of my grand pa by doing his passion and make him proud

  • @Mamoru128
    @Mamoru128 ปีที่แล้ว +99

    For the future reference, you can use a special clip to make sure queen is not going to run away from new hive. All of the bees will follow queens scent to the new hive - you can remove clip after two days. There's still a chance they won't accept new hive, but that technique gives you best shot.
    Also you shouldn't remove all of the queen cells. If the one you leave gets damaged (it's easier than you think) then you'll leave your bees without a backup. So it's always the best to leave couple of them at different stages of development.
    Usually bees don't swarm again so soon - they'll stop feed the other larvae royal jelly, or will simply kill it as soon as the new queen will be born.

    • @ilmiddintuychiev
      @ilmiddintuychiev ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Very informative. You must have much experience in beekeeping.

  • @FluePeak
    @FluePeak ปีที่แล้ว +46

    Went in with a open mind when i started watching it. Came out with a lot more knowledge about bees and i'll probably start with this when im older. Seems like much fun!

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Thanks for sticking with it! I hope you keep bees one day!

  • @spudly98
    @spudly98 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    What a real brother, helping you out even at the risk of serious injuries or death 😅❤

  • @DrDisconude
    @DrDisconude ปีที่แล้ว +76

    In one day I absorbed both, your brother’s full Koi Pond build, and your twice as long year in beekeeping. What wonderful videos the algorithm blessed me with today. You guys have some fantastic wholesome content. So relaxing and interesting. A real pleasure to enjoy while on my own holiday vacation. Great job! I’m now very interested in honey bees!

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Great to hear this! Makes me happy! 😊

  • @stevo9421
    @stevo9421 ปีที่แล้ว +105

    I didn't think I would last 3 minutes and I stayed the whole journey. Wonderful straight up video

    • @acire8188
      @acire8188 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Same here tbh

    • @yeoinbird
      @yeoinbird ปีที่แล้ว +2

      same!!!!!!!!!

    • @platannapipidae9621
      @platannapipidae9621 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      and he isn't overly expressive, there's no LiEk An SbUrBsKrIb, no foreshadowing, no sponsors, just straight up content. incredible.

  • @Tscaperock
    @Tscaperock 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    First honey 🍯 harvest! That is so cool 😎! Congratulations!

  • @mimiashford5544
    @mimiashford5544 ปีที่แล้ว +122

    Alex.... I'm just as proud of you as if you were my own son! I'm fascinated by your bee adventure and love everything about this proper bee-keeping documentary! You are just a pleasure to watch and listen to and seeing your trials and victories are such a joy. I'm so sorry you lost half your bees while on holiday but I have to say, for someone who didn't really know what he was doing at first, you literally & legitimately (at the very least!) DOUBLED your hive in just a few months... your bees are so healthy and industrious - so YOU are actively contributing to the propagation of one of our most necessary and treasured universal resources.... BEES!!! Thank you for bringing us along on yet another of your wonderful enterprises! (LOVED your garden video, too!) Looking forward to anything else you have to say & show us! And PS.... all the best of luck w the girl! She couldn't do better!!!

  • @7evenmindsmedia606
    @7evenmindsmedia606 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    I can’t believe I watched this whole video. (4am U.S. time) 😂 I actually enjoyed it. Felt like we were learning together. Congratulations on your first honey harvest! Definitely looked fulfilling. Good luck on this beekeeping journey of yours 🤙🏾

    • @gaiaofearthspace8769
      @gaiaofearthspace8769 ปีที่แล้ว

      and here i am after watching this whole video in the US at 4 am an exact week later

  • @JordanHexican
    @JordanHexican 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Great video... When I woke up this morning I would have never guessed if spend nearly 2 hours watching a beekeeping video... Great job mate

  • @jaker2542
    @jaker2542 ปีที่แล้ว +120

    bro, your brother is insane. allergic to bees filming your adventure with the second hive. mad lad

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Yup he's mad!

    • @sandrahertel6282
      @sandrahertel6282 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      I hope he had an epi-pen. The good news is, bees that are swarming are so full before they take off, they are normally very calm and don’t sting. Get yourself a Queen catcher, then she will stay put until the hive is settled,

  • @aga5897
    @aga5897 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    I had Bees once, by sheer luck - a small wild colony went into a Hive i set up, which i bought on a whim.
    Wax Moth killed them in the end.
    In the meantime, they did have varroa, which i discovered when investigating a deformed-wing bee that i saw thrown out of the hive.
    It was hard to see the bee under the microscope as it kept moving, but there was certainly a varroa mite attached. They really are on a scale like us having a Cat stuck to our ribs.
    To immobilize the bee i used Chloroform as recommended by a circa 1950 beekeeper.
    The Mite was dead and fell off as the bee recovered. (that) Varroa cannot tolerate chloroform even briefly ! (a sample of 1 isn't Science, or proof of a general rule).
    Unfortunately i was very arrogantly drunk when i tried to report this one evening, so spewed all over the internet, which is probably why that 'discovery' was ignored completely.

    • @xdirtyrandyx
      @xdirtyrandyx ปีที่แล้ว +10

      did you drug a bee with chloroform and it knocked the sucker out while also killing the mite and allowing the bee to live?

    • @aga5897
      @aga5897 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@xdirtyrandyx Bees tolerate chloroform well - better than other things in fact. Ribbens published his studies about it in 1950. The bee recovered fine. The varroa mite was dead. This was nothing 'scientific', just a chance observation.

  • @bretking15
    @bretking15 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Just awesome, Alex! I'm 58 years old and just learning about bee keeping. Yours is a very inspiring story and you have a very entertaining and enlightening way of telling it. Thank you!

  • @HBADGERBRAD
    @HBADGERBRAD ปีที่แล้ว +36

    While watching this long video I would get to a point where I’ve decided I have watched my fill of Alex’s bee keeping adventures. Then suddenly, oh wait I want to see how Alex manages this and here I am at the very end. Completely satisfied with my choice to keep watching Alex as I usually am. Thank you Alex and thank you for your lovely bees 🐝🐝🐝💛love and respect from Calgary, Alberta, Canada 🇨🇦 💘

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching! 😊

  • @FrederickDunn
    @FrederickDunn ปีที่แล้ว +40

    Hello, Just Alex! What a great video you've presented here. I'm so glad you've found your path in beekeeping and are also inspired to share your experiences with TH-cam viewers. I wish you all the best in beekeeping and hope you'll continue to share what you're learning and have found useful along the way. Thumbs up! Excellent!

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Thanks! I will be documenting my journey again this year! 😊

  • @vickifetherston9694
    @vickifetherston9694 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    You're so brave to just get out there and get on with it. It's not easy to learn beekeeping on the job because of the adrenalin that pumps through you when you have your hive open, but you did fabulously, especially with the swarm! Thank you for sharing, I really enjoyed watching

  • @andrewpackham8236
    @andrewpackham8236 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    This was a fantastically paced and edited documentary, thank you for doing such a good job of filming your journey into beekeeping!

  • @bence77888
    @bence77888 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    As someone who's family working full time as a beekeper and i'm the third generation now who's working with bees all i can say is thank you and enjoy your hobby and ofc welcome in the beekeeper community.

  • @lukenortje668
    @lukenortje668 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wow you have a real gift for explaining things in such a way that it totally makes sense without sounding arrogant and the narrative is so absorbing. Really feel like we are learning along with you. Great content!

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  หลายเดือนก่อน

      thanks so much :)

  • @lonewulf0328
    @lonewulf0328 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Beekeeping is a great hobby and it can quickly outgrow hobby and turn into a small business. My dad started with a few hives in the backyard, and a year later had 300 hives, spread all across the county (because people growing plants love when you have bees nearby and will often let you keep them on their land for the price of a jar or two of honey each harvest.).

  • @papajeff5486
    @papajeff5486 ปีที่แล้ว +102

    “Us bee keepers”, you’re in, heh, heh…good on ya. Love that you’re so generous with your honey. You’re learning so much, so fast. Way to go , man.

  • @JFunk717
    @JFunk717 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I’m still here trying to process all that you shared, and feel all of the emotions your journey has imparted on my soul. Your video is such a blessing! When you came back from holiday, and your bees had gone away, and taken their honey with them, I was so sad!! I just knew sticking around for the second half of the video would be worth it, and you certainly did not disappoint! Thanks again! I’m still in awe of all you had to go through!

  • @briandrake496
    @briandrake496 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    The best TH-cam video on bees I have seen. Very educational from a super humble dude. Loved it thanks for doing this!!

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks Brian!

    • @cathyhanley8658
      @cathyhanley8658 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I watch Vino Farm. He is so fun to watch.

  • @jan3193
    @jan3193 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I have been a beekeeper for years, but due to lack of time I unfortunately had to give it up. I have been retired for several years now and have just been watching your youtube movie. What a great film, I'm now thinking about picking it up again and keeping bees again. It may not be a profitable one, but it is a very satisfying hobby. Thank you for your enthusiasm and keep it up.
    Greetings from the Netherlands,
    Jan

  • @Sailorlluna
    @Sailorlluna หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I add lavender to my smoker. My mentor told me it calms the bees and it’s always worked for me. 4 years of bee keeping and my sweet bees have only stung me once.

  • @the2012fad
    @the2012fad ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Absolutely fantastic!
    Thank you.
    I have been trying to get my head around "beekeeping basics" and you have managed to answer darn near ALL my questions!
    Really excellent presentation, really informative.
    Well done!

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks so much!

  • @allnaturalhomesteaders
    @allnaturalhomesteaders ปีที่แล้ว +92

    If you're worried about your bees and the weather, you could always put a tarp roof over the top of your bee hive. Of course you'll have to build a frame over it, and make it tall enough for you to walk under it. But that's a way to protect your hive from the rain. You can also stack straw around the sides in the winter, obviously not where the opening is, but the straw will keep the heat in . Just a suggestion, of course, take it or leave it.

  • @zylarzar724
    @zylarzar724 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    This video was incredible to watch , thankyou for filming the journey and well done on seeing it through!

  • @TomasoX90
    @TomasoX90 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Hey Alex, I just finished watching your video and I must say it's way better then some of the documents from big companies out there! Really interesting informative and enjoyable to watch! I'm planning to start beekeeping this coming up spring too and your video just move even more forward! Thank you and I wish you a lot of luck with your bee's!

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks so much. I appreciate it!

  • @mebaugh1
    @mebaugh1 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Nice! Enjoyed the story. Very informative for a future beekeeper- I think next year.

  • @wordvendor1
    @wordvendor1 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    I've been through two beekeeping classes and learned more from you than a beekeeping expert. You're a great teacher!

  • @DangerMum242
    @DangerMum242 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    Well done with the swarm! Brave and decisive even though it seemed scary!

  • @RogerbignellSteeldoc
    @RogerbignellSteeldoc 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very good job, I learned more watching this video than I have watching many professional ones. Thank you so much Alex

  • @robertkitchen3069
    @robertkitchen3069 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I watched your 1 year gardening video whilst looking for tips and stumbled upon this video. I have been gardening as a hobby for about a decade now and last year I really expanded my garden and the yeilds were off the charts. Companion planting, square foot gardening, and regular pruning really gave me a wonderful harvest with more produce than I could use in the summer months. We tried herbs and most went to waste because I didn't realize the amount of pruning needed to keep from bolting and seeding. It made me realize I need preservation equipment to expand (canning and drying). With that, however my wife and I have been playing at the idea of chickens and bees. The chickens are probably going to happen this year but I've been so hesitant to try bees (mostly because I didn't want to accidentally kill a hive). This video was so well put together and showed the struggles and rewards so well documenting everything an amatuer could expect to face. I have gained so much knowledge from this video alone and I cannot wait to start my own beekeeping journey. Whether its this year or down the road. Thank you so much for this vast amount of beginners knowledge. I can't wait to see the rest of your videos.

  • @charliblake8551
    @charliblake8551 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    I’ve never become SO invested in something I had fairly minimal interest in, SO quickly! I’m legitimately inspired to do this myself. THANK YOU!!!🤗 🐝

  • @dawnmyers5166
    @dawnmyers5166 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thank you. I have been thinking about having some bee hives on my homestead when I retire. You were so informative with information but also how you felt, which I enjoyed. I was all ready to plan mine, then yours swarmed. Not sure I could do what you did, but I think I want to learn more. I hope I can be successful.

  • @chickadddee
    @chickadddee ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Alex, this has been a fascinating video. I'm really impressed. Shout out to your parents for bee-ing cooperative, (hee hee), and to Carl for his support. Tell Carl it's good for him to eat the honey...it might even help him with his allergy as it helps his immune system not to over react to the specific types of bees in your area. Also...if your business grows in leaps and bounds, you can make unbelievable skincare with honey, propolis, pollen and even some wax mixed with essential oils. I sometimes use Honey Girl Organics from Hawaii, and it is awesome! Check out their story. Honey is anti-bacterial and the propolis (in the right amount which I don't know) is anti aging. 🌺🐝 👋🏼 Cheers.

  • @teddijensen6985
    @teddijensen6985 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    OMG that was truly EPIC. Thank you for going to the effort of filming/narrating/editing etc.......to share with us!

  • @SarahGraceNeal
    @SarahGraceNeal 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I’m just starting my beekeeping journey and I’m sooooo happy I came across this video

  • @lesw1845
    @lesw1845 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I'm shocked! This has been an interest of mine for a long time and seeing him start just like that makes me wonder if I should start thing about it. Of course it would take some studying and research but I might just try it. Loved the video and the trial and error! Best of luck to everyone reading this!

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Go for it! Whether you enjoy it or not, you'll learn lots. Best of luck!

    • @amandahakes2226
      @amandahakes2226 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We started our first hive this year and loved it!!! I definitely think you should!

    • @tinacalifano5023
      @tinacalifano5023 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I would recommend you to join a bee club ❤️🕊️❤️see if you can mentor with someone ❤️🕊️❤️ before getting bees ❤️🕊️❤️

  • @ShadoClover
    @ShadoClover ปีที่แล้ว +35

    Randomly came across this video. As a person who doesn't have bees but has been interested because of the need of pollinators and helping bees, this was an incredible video. I'm from the USA, I'm schooling in Agronomy (crop science). And this was a cool, educational, inspiring experience you've shared and now I want bees. Thank you!

  • @h08835
    @h08835 หลายเดือนก่อน

    this must be one of the most satisfying youtube videos I've seen in a long time. And that's despite being the longest one I've ever watched through. Dude, you rule!

  • @jamezdavis1984
    @jamezdavis1984 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    I'm no bee keeper but I do know about felting roofs.
    The corners of your hives roof will alow water to gather in the fold (eventually leaking) , you need to reverse the direction of the fold. So the overlap fold is in a downward direction allowing water to run away.
    Anyway awesome video, I never knew bee keeping was so interesting 💚

  • @leaholle6916
    @leaholle6916 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    As someone who wants to start beekeeping, this has been really helpful! A lot of questions and fears I have got anwsered/you got confronted with. Seeing others experiencing those things but still ending with what seems to be two very healthy and happy colonies and 12,5kgs of honey really gives me hope, that I can manage to get this done too. Thank you very much for sharing your journey!

  • @hoptoi
    @hoptoi 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I watch a lot of bee keeping channels, and I find your explanations of how things work to be the best out there. Thank you!

  • @maxingtothegame2278
    @maxingtothegame2278 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Thank you for taking us with you on your bee keeping journey. Bee population has been decreasing over the years and bees are very important for life on earth. I feel it’s a lesser known topic, so thank you very much for this video and keeping bees! #savethebees

  • @jakebennett2613
    @jakebennett2613 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    that was 1:43:07 worth of great watching. not only watching you make mistakes and learning but actually enjoying yourself. and you could seriously see how proud you were of what you had done. well done mate, hope to see more long form of videos. keep it up

  • @jessiegutuza4782
    @jessiegutuza4782 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It was so fulfilling watching this right to the end. Felt like I joined in on a journey. Twas brilliant.

  • @DonGrigorianFishing
    @DonGrigorianFishing ปีที่แล้ว +11

    What a comprehensive tutorial on a beekeepers journey... I watched it from the beginning to the end and I'm proud to say you taught me so much I didn't know about bees. Thanks Alex

  • @JuliusSeizure1
    @JuliusSeizure1 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    My uncle keeps bees I think 3 hives. I remember last year he had spilled a jar of honey he harvested on the trailer bed. So he parked the trailer a foot or two away from the hive. And they had cleaned the lot. (At least a jars worth) within 30 minutes! Bees really are a clever and unique species!
    Was incredible to watch them do their thing and scoop up all the beautiful sugary nectar for the winter!

  • @michellegeorge787
    @michellegeorge787 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Hi Alex,
    I don’t comment often, I live in the caribbean and started beekeeping a few years ago. I took 6 week local course, and have been out there fumbling my way through. I learned more from your video than I did taking the course! Thank you so much for being so very transparent as you go about learning how to bee-keep, I have a renewed energy towards my beekeeping and will be referencing your videos to get my bee boxes back on track! Thank you 🙏🏽

  • @redmdlee
    @redmdlee ปีที่แล้ว +33

    First content creator i found that made me sit through a 2 hr journey without even realizing the video was actually 2 hrs long
    it was really fun watching your bee keeping adventure. I've always wanted to keep bees and grow my own food but sadly we don't have land for it and same as your area housing is getting pretty insane so its harder to move out, so im just gonna have to live vicariously through your journey :>

  • @DarkSygil666
    @DarkSygil666 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I can't believe I found this and watched the whole thing in one shot. It was so awesome, I wasn't able to turn away. You really know how to keep a person's attention!

  • @sarahselina2155
    @sarahselina2155 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    just wow. I have never watched an almost 2 hour long video on youtube that wasn't an audiobook or movie. I am hooked. This was awesome. You should have your own mainstream tv channel.

  • @docautrisim885
    @docautrisim885 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I’ve been wanting to keep bees for awhile now. Hoping to be able to do so in the near future. Watching your journey has given me a lot of insight and confidence in my own soon to be undertaken journey.

  • @lisawatson3467
    @lisawatson3467 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thanks for sharing your journey in becoming a new bee keeper. It has helped me in feeling more confident in wanting to start my own hive. ❤ May your hives continue to thrive and multiply. God bless you and your bees 🐝

  • @Kyle-ye7tb
    @Kyle-ye7tb 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    This video is amazing,I love the format you chose. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. I am currently at day 1 myself and have become overwhelmed with all of the information. Watching your real time progression has helped me to better understand how to apply the information I’ve been learning. Thank you so much for posting this!

  • @TheLaughingDove
    @TheLaughingDove ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Renter who loves bees here, love seeing you going through this and what nice bees you got!! Very lovely girls. Hopefully one day I can be somewhere stable enough to have a go at this hobby too!

  • @HappyHitman
    @HappyHitman ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I was expecting a simple video but this has become one of the best starter video formats I've ever seen. The long form year long end to end video is amazing

  • @poledancewearcarolina7790
    @poledancewearcarolina7790 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    That's an awesome video, thank you so much for posting this. I feel so inspired to start bee ceeping next year. ❤

  • @Bigredkarl
    @Bigredkarl ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Plant more flowering plants to span the flowerless gaps

  • @Balidor
    @Balidor ปีที่แล้ว +4

    30 years ago I did exactly the same things with my grandfather anytime I was for vacation back in our village.... exactly the same steps and equipment... so many memories... and now that he is gone... I might do the same, probably with my son... thanks for the inspiration mate.

  • @paulaedwards5193
    @paulaedwards5193 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Just watched your video, my father has recently passed away leaving me and my brother 9 hives!! He was a beekeeper for 40 years but we were not really that interested in his hobby.. he became unwell in June last year, he took his last lot of honey off the hives in septemeber we had to visit the bees when dad died in March to tell them he had passed away (old wives tale!) we have buckets of honey strained and unstrained, pales of cappings too. 2 swarms last week! Which a local beekeeper came to collect ! your video has been so helpful to me thank you so much! Paula

  • @Skarago
    @Skarago ปีที่แล้ว +20

    This was fantastic to watch. Very inspiring and heartwarming. Cheered me right up :)

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I'm so glad!

  • @jennahmirrim3787
    @jennahmirrim3787 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    What a lovely year you had with the bees. I thoroughly enjoyed your video. I am from Halifax Canada. Looking forward to your next adventures. You have a lovely voice. Thank you

  • @pedicuresinthedark2010
    @pedicuresinthedark2010 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank Alex!!!! I joined your channel just because of this video and I love bees and am trying to start my own in my garden. I am so grateful for your advise and journey. Truly Grateful!!!!🥰🥰🥰

  • @ajmiddleditch8413
    @ajmiddleditch8413 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Alex, a friend of mine decided to move house and offered be his bees. So, all of a sudden along with my wife, we became bee keepers with zero knowledge on the subject. Whilst We have been researching and learning, we stumbled upon your video.
    I have to say from all, yours have been the most intuitive and educational so far. We have leant so much and we salute you,, Thank you!

  • @415752
    @415752 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Well done Alex I’m beekeeping for a few years and this is the best beginner’s video I have seen with lots of info well delivered .Good job