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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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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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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.
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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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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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A Walk and Trap Inspection…
On 7/7/2023, with a clear schedule and pleasant weather, a walk along the Katy Trail was planned. Despite initial confusion and an extended 9-mile hike, the journey led to discovering active bee activity, with plans to retrieve the colony. The day concluded with a late lunch at the Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop in Rocheport,…
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Hanging the swarm traps…
In early 2023, preparations for swarm trapping began. Beeswax starter strips were attached to frames using a heat gun. The traps were baited with propolis, lemongrass essential oil, and slow-release tubes. Trial traps were hung, and then three traps were placed in various locations. The process awaits the arrival of swarms.