Ah, glorious spring. What a hopeful time of year for beekeepers. Winter is releasing her hold, giving us moisture in the form of rain rather than snow. Temperatures are warming and early season plants are just starting to bloom. Insects are emerging, namely bees foraging for nectar and pollen, but there is another, less friendly […]
Garden Primer: What is Composting?
For many gardeners, compost is something they buy in a bag from the local nursery. They bought it because a friend, neighbor, or perhaps someone from their local gardening club said they use it. Comments ranged from, “Wow… my tomatoes have never been larger” to “The flowers bloomed like crazy” or perhaps, “I never garden […]
Spring Cleanup:What should I Do?
Early spring. It is full of hope and promise. Birds are returning from their winter homes. Snowstorms are subsiding. Daytime temperatures are warming. Greenhouses are filling with plants. Wishful thinking and daydreams are occupying gardener’s minds. But as gardeners, we know that one big task is just on the horizon. In fact, it is THE […]
Cheesemakers: Butter Muslin or Cheesecloth?
Making cheese at home is a wonderful experience. Right before your eyes you get to see the magic. Milk converts into curds and whey. After draining (separating) the curds from the whey, cheese begins to form. With the right ingredients, time, and a few basic tools, you too can make milk at home. But before […]
Benefits of a Chicken Tractor
Do you have a chicken coop? Whether you have been keeping chickens for years or are just getting started, most people will say yes. (This is definitely the case in urban settings where municipal codes require predator-proof coops as part of their chicken ordinance.) But if you ask them if they have a chicken […]
Bees: Feeding Pollen in Early Spring
Early spring marks an unsettling time for beekeepers. The weather can fluctuate between winter conditions to a gorgeous short-sleeve type of day. We worry. Have the bees survived the last round of cold weather? Is the hive strong? Are enough plants blooming to provide food for the brood and the rest of the colony? Now […]