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6 frame radial extractor Has anyone bought and used Simon's 6 frame radial extractor? Seems a good price although from the pics I'm not sure how the bottom bars of the frames are held in position. Thanks.

I'm not sure if it reduces the swelling (as I don't react much) any quicker but Apple Cider Vinegar takes a sting (bee or wasp) away in seconds for me. Just soak a bit of cotton wool and apply. Almost instant relief. If it recurs in a few minutes just apply again. Must be the vinegar working on...

Radio 2 said this morning that rural parts of southern England could be exposed to a frost tonight - 30 July??? This is nuts. I seriously hope it doesn't otherwise that's the Balsam finished off and the season brought to a rapid close for palatable honey.

Thanks. Sounds like a tag is the way to go then. I think I may sell them now in these jars as they do look great and some people like to bring presents with them for dinners with mates.

I was interested to know from anyone who has used Orcio jars before, what size and shape label they used. I was concerned the rectangular labels for my hexagonal jars may not work as the orcio appears to have two curves to deal with and so could end up with creases. From memory, I'm sure...

Never used Caddon before but after doing a quick search found the price of their 6 inch assembled roofs to be cheaper than Mr T's unassembled. Bought a few items. Ordered late Monday and delivered on Friday. For the price, quality hasn't been compromised either. Every component, even the...

It's not been the best start to a year for honey production but it has been very good for me for getting virgin queens mated - 7 out of 7 and laying up well. Never been this good. I'm fortunate I don't rely on honey sales to maintain this hobby but it's well received when I'm rewarded for my...

Roundup does the trick. Been there. It's an amazing plant actually. I believe it has the highest quantity of silicon in any known plant. Mashed and applied as a poultice to wounds it's known as the bone healer but apparently has other beneficial properties. Good read...

Most probably Hawthorn. Loads of it coming in right now.

In these temps I'd advise against shook swarm and treat only with thymol spray as Erichalfbee suggests. Had to recently transfer a colony that was never that strong going into winter, into a nuc. The temps weren't good. All the shaking suddenly caused them to start pooing all over the place...

This is not the first year I've encountered this issue. The problem is quickly rectified with a Stanley knife. A shallow chamfering of the ends, on both sides, quickly fixes reduces the bottom bar width for the required rebate. As it's nailed in and propolised by the bees it doesn't have to be...

Again suggest go to the Forum Sticky Posts and look at HedgerowPete's threads. He's got most things covered as far as balms, lotions, waterproofing, polishes. Lots of info.

Doug I've just made my first batch using one of Hedgerow Pete's formulas that got posted as a sticky. Came out really well. "Beeswax Polish Beeswax furniture polish with it's soft, satin shine is considered the ultimate in wood care. Note that there is very little difference between this...

Did you add a small amount of Carnauba wax to your mixture? Helps to harden it up - but don't add too much.

Got it!! thank Pargyle. I got a starting SG of 1090 so, judging by what I have read, I'm in the right ball park. I will attach a tag and note the SG on a weekly basis, as you recommended. Many thanks. BL

If doing the primary fermentation in a bucket how then do you introduce air into the mixture, as I thought that was essential? Also, do your give it a stir during those 4 days of primary fermentation in the bucket? Lastly, does one normally use 4lbs of honey - mixed in one go at the start. I'm...

I can't comment on Ivy honey but I have used a small bath before to wash out the remnants of crystallised OSR honey from frames with great success. It's always been very diluted so it's down the plug hole for me but in your case, if you had a container large enough to soak a frame and shake out...

Thanks. All very useful advice in hopefully perfecting this art.

Thanks for that comprehensive advice Pargyle - much appreciate it!! So when you measure the SG periodically do you always return the fluid back to the demijohn or throw it out?

http://www.rivercottage.net/recipes/traditional-mead-honey-wine/ This same recipe says fill up to 2inches from the top. How full should one fill ones demijohns then?