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Thanks for this practical advice, I will try raising the varrox pan a little higher as I had significant crystals condensing on the mesh.

I have 3 or 4 of these and find they work really well. Just make sure that the join is properly lined up otherwise you will have a visible line on your candle. I've never used realising spray on them, I find they turn out just fine.

Yep. And also a similar scenario with larger than expected varroa counts across most hives. Had a hefting and feeling session yesterday (ooh-er missus), and the crown boards on two thirds of my colonies felt significantly warmer to the touch which I assumed to be an indicator of some brooding...

Pleased to see that the varroa drops are now tailing off nicely on those hives where OA has been used. Still much higher counts than I would have liked though. Had a tidy up of the bee shed, made up a few frames (still 50 odd to go!). Still procrastinating when it comes to cleaning up last...

Oops, forgot to get online early but still got everything I wanted at 10.30, would have preferred 'framed' wire Q excluders but will have some fun making the frames for the grids myself - and at a fiver each, can't go wrong (I hope!)

More vaporising today. All good. Mites still falling. Three hives which are on a single 14x12 brood box hefted a bit light so put fondant on those. Those nadired with a shallow of uncapped stores in October are all still heavy enough. Looking through the polycarbonate boards, most are on 6 or...

Ordered my foundation for 2015 and made a 'wish list' for the forthcoming online sales. No woodwork this time, just odds and ends. I'm determined not to increase my hive numbers next season! Checked some inspection boards 36hrs after OA - yikes, glad I treated! As others have recently said...

I used an aluminium sheet with my varrox. No corrosion seen at all after 10 uses! And yes, very light.

The main reasons I took the plunge this year: 1. Despite the reassurance of others that it does minimal harm, it still goes against the grain for me to crack open that precious propolis seal in winter. If there is a less invasive way to treat varroa in winter then that's me sold! 2. The fact...

Vaporised ten hives with Oxalic Acid today. :) So easy once into a routine with it. All seem to be alive and well judging by the fanning heard as the Varrox was turned on! One hive floor was thick with dead bees whereas the others were more or less clear. House sluts? I don't think it's...

100 pure beeswax candles lighting up a chapel. Bet that would look breath taking! I asked one of the wardens from our village church (who is a friend of mine), what type they use in church - very sheepishly she told me they get them from ikea! And no they are not beeswax! But she did...

I've been a naughty girl and opened one of my Christmas pressies early! I gave my shiney new varrox it's first outing this morning on one hive which appears to be heavily infested. I'd also seen a couple of bees with DWV on the landing board in recent days :( I have had a real variation in...

Varroa monitoring inserts going in today. Let's see what's what. Also will be wrapping them up in ther woodpecker protection - the resident green woody here is no fool and has been a nuisance in the past. Then might make a few more candles for Christmas.

Me too but mine is currently all wrapped up under the tree so the girls have a reprieve for a couple of weeks!

12oz hex seem to be preferred here, especially for people buying honey as a gift - I sell at £4. I also offer the 1lb jars for £5 and these sell better to my regular customers who use a lot.

Thanks for the advice. I've put these 9 jars in the freezer now - But for next time, think will just do as per Enrico. At least with only 9 jars this batch can be used gifts for friends and neighbours rather than on sale to Joe Public!

Jarred up my first lot of chunk honey today....BUT.....forgot about the recommended 48hr freezing of the comb first to kill off any wax moth or braula eggs! This comb was taken from the hive at the end of August and has been stored in a cool room in an airtight box since. Given that it's...

First farmers market today. Sold 65 jars. Really enjoyed it. Roll on next month. JM

100 would be nice :) The soft set is no problem. I can take loads of that along. I just didn't want to jar up more of the runny honeys than needed as it is likely to cloud up before the next market and I don't want to warm it up more than necessary. I think I will take 50 jars of soft set and...

How much stock to take to market? I have my first farmers market tomorrow and am struggling to know how much stock to take. I don't want to run out but similarly I don't want to take way more than I need. It's our local town and the market is only once a month. I do 12oz and 1lb jars in both...