-
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…
-
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.
-
February Update: Bees, the Greenhouse, and Winter Storm
In a winter update, the author discusses greenhouse preparations, bee activity, and recent storms. Bees are fed to prepare for spring, while greenhouse enhancements include grow lights and temperature monitoring systems using Home Assistant. After a damaging storm, recovery efforts included replanting and installing an exhaust fan to manage heat.
-
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…
-
Beekeeping Update: Progress and Challenges in 2024
The author reflects on the busy year, noting progress with beekeeping, including successful feeding and growth of colonies. They review last year’s ambitious goals, achieving new hive boxes and constructing a barn and greenhouse. Challenges with lavender and a Koi pond leak were addressed, with future improvements planned.
-
And Then There Were Four…
Summary: In August, two bee colonies absconded due to small hive beetles. The Sunshine hive saw slow growth before the owner’s COVID illness. After cleanup, diatomaceous earth was spread. Another colony, Gnome Home, also fell victim. The owner tried Swiffer sheets and beneficial nematodes to control the beetles. Five million heterorhabditis indica nematodes were purchased…
-
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.
-
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.
-
Busy with lots of projects…
On 6/21/2024, the author shares updates including a greenhouse rebuild with new siding, use of Solexx material, building a new hive box for bees, and fermenting vegetables due to health reasons. They talk about the abundance of sage and the process of drying it. Overall, they express satisfaction with the ongoing activities.
-
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,…