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Double swarm Friday…
On 5/3/2024, a day planned for picking up a swarm trap in Boone County took an unexpected turn. Responding to a swarm notification in Columbia, the group successfully captured the bees. They also acquired another swarm trap later, ending the day with three colonies. The day was both eventful and successful.
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Lavender bed planting…
In late April, the lavender bed project progressed significantly. Despite initial setbacks finding the right equipment, the ground was tilled and plants were successfully planted. Amid deliberations on row spacing, 37 plants were sourced and planted. A soaker hose, over 25 years old, was used for watering. Plans for more plants are in the works.
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Spring activities?
As warm weather arrives, the beekeeper observes the survival of their colonies and prepares for the hazardous time when flowers may be scarce. A late-season swarm has thrived, and the bees are active despite the lack of flowers. Plans for colony expansion and creating artificial splits are underway, along with building swarm boxes.
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Starting Spring Flowers…
1/16/2024 Last week, on the 9th of January, we started the first bunch of spring flowers from seed. Linda had some Zinnia seeds from Park Seeds leftover from last year, so we thought it was time to put them to good use. We also started some pollinator plants, but they haven’t come up yet. Late…
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The (soon to be) Lavender Bed
November, 25, 2023 On and off all summer and fall we have been clearing out a mess of cedar trees with a large dead one in the midst of it. When we started the idea was to plant more native type wildflowers and hopefully the bees would find them. If not, other pollinators and butterflies…
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Final inspection of the season…
This beekeeping season has been educational, highlighting the importance of putting theory into practice. The final hive inspection involved removing unused items, counting frames, and placing a wool pillow over remaining frames. The pillow helps regulate humidity and temperature, vital for the bees’ survival during winter. The hive will remain closed until spring to assess…
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Update on the Floral Hive…
On 9/12/2023, while checking on the Floral Hive at the apiary, it was found empty, indicating absconding. Despite regular care, including providing sugar water, the bees left. To prevent a weak colony in winter, frames were frozen. The absconding may be due to various factors, possibly linked to the dry season’s poor nectar flow.
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Frame Day…
On 9/7/2023, frame assembly for the next year began. The process involves placing and gluing pieces in a jig, and then stapling them. Despite the loud air compressor, two videos demonstrate the process. 36 frames were completed, with bottom pieces being the limiting factor, but easy to make.
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Revisiting the Cedar Grove garden…
Linda and I established the Cedar Grove Garden this year. Despite facing extreme weather, the garden managed to thrive. After neglecting it, we reclaimed the space and revitalized it with compost and mulch. Over three days, we worked hard to finish the garden, resulting in a satisfying end product.
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Sunshine hive update…
8/12/2023 Between the two weeks of very high temperatures followed by what seemed two weeks of monsoonal like rain, it has been hard to check up on the bees. Last week between storms, we went down to the apiary to observe bee activity from the three hives. The hives that contain the swarms we trapped…