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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.
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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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The second swarm trap in Boone County…
The team set up a new swarm trap in Boone County, Harrisburg area. They got help from the property owner, and even took their grandson along. After checking several locations, they chose one close to a pond. Setting it up was easy this time. The day ended with frozen custard in Columbia, making it a…
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Placing swarm traps ’24…
The trip to Camden County was a success, identifying potential hotspots for bee activity. Additionally, traps were set in Boone and Callaway counties, with some obstacles along the way. The “Three Little Birds” trap was set at the brother’s place, and the “Birch Tree Box” was placed in Callaway County. At home, traps were placed…
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Big Happenings Friday…
In April, the apiary faced challenges with a split wishbone tree threatening the hives. Colter’s Tree Service removed the hazardous tree and cleared cedar trees, expanding the lavender bed. Despite the hectic day, more work was accomplished than anticipated. The lavender bed is now ready to be tilled.
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Busy Weekend…
After a setback due to illness, a weekend of catching up on spring activities involved preparing frames and comb for swarm traps and hive boxes, using a wire embedder for frame foundation, fixing and painting swarm traps, and extracting beeswax. Despite challenges, the weekend was productive, concluding with the placement of a refurbished trap.
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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.