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Our Trip to HillCo, LLC
The authors of the post recount their journey into beekeeping, leading to their first honey harvest experiences. They compare two extraction methods: crushing the honeycomb, which proved messy and wasteful, and using a centrifugal extractor, which they ultimately decided to purchase from HillCo, LLC. Their visit to the company included a factory tour, highlighting its…
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Spring Gardening Update: Bees, Lavender, and Greenhouse Changes
The blog update from June 2025 discusses the author’s recent activities, including a new online store experiment, thriving bees amidst favorable spring weather, and an expanding lavender bed. The author also shares experiences in greenhouse management, including selling plants and preparing for fall crops. Additionally, a long-awaited waterline installation has improved operations.
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Happy New Year update on the bees, lavender bed, greenhouse.
This post details various projects undertaken from late 2024 to early 2025, including inspecting bee hives, preparing them for winter, and addressing soil issues for a lavender bed due to previous incorrect advice from a chemist. The author also highlights significant improvements made to a greenhouse and the equipment installed, along with a personal reflection…
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Moving the 3rd Boone County swarm to it’s new home
On 7/13/2024, at our Boone County location, we successfully transported the swarm box. Today, we prepared the apiary, handled the bees with the smoker, and transferred them to a new hive box. We encountered some challenges, including discovering the queen bee while moving the frames. The colony showed a shortage of honey, prompting future attention.
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July News and Updates
On the 4th of July, the author experienced symptoms related to Covid-19, prompting a hospital visit. They also shared experiences regarding skin cancer scares and the bees in their colonies. Additionally, they provided updates on their greenhouse, lavender bed, and soil monitoring. The author is optimistic about the progress of their projects, despite facing challenges.
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The Gnome Home bad news and good news…
On June 2nd, the second swarm from Howard County was transferred to the Gnome Home hive box. Despite initial difficulties, the colony became the strongest and aided the other colonies. Winter posed challenges, but feeding helped them survive. Unfortunately, a cold spell and small hive beetles led to their demise. After extensive cleaning and torching,…
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Lavender Bed June 2024
The lavender bed has seen significant growth since April, now reaching 60 plants. Despite some initial challenges, such as a broken soaker hose and saturated ground, most plants have survived. Additionally, buckwheat has attracted bees, and the honey is anticipated to have a rich flavor. Overall, good progress has been made.
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The Longest Week: Retrieving the 2nd Boone County swarm
In the lead-up to Memorial Day, the writer shares their busy week relocating a bee swarm, likening it to the enduring efforts of D-Day. They detail each day’s tasks, from painting the hive box to finally moving the bees to their new home. Despite the challenges, the rewarding outcome made it all worthwhile.
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Bee Swarm Trap Retrieval and Mother’s Day Festivities | Recap 5/12/2024
On Mother’s Day, we picked up a swarm trap from a friend, signaling the start of a beekeeping project. After a meal out and various errands, we returned home to relocate the bees. The process of moving them to their new hive took time but was ultimately successful, providing a satisfying end to the day.
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Homing the Boone County Swarm
5/4/2024 – Busy day: Captured and relocated swarm from Columbia tree with friend Brian. Moved swarm trap to permanent hive after morning church meeting. Bees eager to leave trap, but with tools from Linda, made progress. Surprised by amount of drawn-out comb. Checked on wild swarm, found them on frames in the morning.