tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870930324052178391.post6763664542992062834..comments2023-10-06T05:45:20.270-07:00Comments on Sustainable Urban Gardens ... the blog: Keeping Bees Using the Top-bar Beekeeping MethodUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870930324052178391.post-1322282906334610552011-07-21T19:38:12.557-07:002011-07-21T19:38:12.557-07:00Another comment on Mother Earth News from:
Joey Te...Another comment on Mother Earth News from:<br />Joey Teem 12/2/2009 1:18:03 PM<br /><br />Great article. I would just like to make one quick point. If you live the eastern US DON'T use the water and vinegar mix to spray your bees with. The Small Hive Beetle is attracted to the cider vinegar and the first thing you know your hive will be infested with them. I learned this the hard way.<br />Joey Teem www.customwoodkits.comsuejennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05974303080060876891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3870930324052178391.post-18899108318350404362011-07-21T19:35:47.400-07:002011-07-21T19:35:47.400-07:00A comment on Mother Earth News from: glenda 4/4/20...A comment on Mother Earth News from: glenda 4/4/2011 6:13:24 PM<br /><br />Great to know people are trying to support the bee populations. Warnings about the top bar hive, however. The top bar design orignates from research done in hot African conditions. If you live in the northern temperate regions, the challenge is overwintering the bees. The topbar only allows for about 20 pounds of honey, whereas a 2-3 box traditional method allows for at least 40-100 pounds. Bees need enough room to cluster over the winter to generate heat. I doubt the topbar hive could successfully overwinter in our cold climate.Also bees need enough food to get through the cold dark months. I seriously question the practicality of the top bar hive with one box for northern climates. The traditional Langstroth design is time-tested and allows for enough honey stores and space for natural organic beekeeping.suejennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05974303080060876891noreply@blogger.com