When it comes to beekeeping, two is better than one. Or is it? Does it ever make sense to have only one colony? Attend any bee club meeting or read any honey bee books, and you'll come across the recommendation to start with at least 2 hives. There are solid reasons for this advice! Two … Continue reading Does it Make Sense to Start with Only ONE Honey Bee Colony?
Restoring our native prairie has been one of the most exhausting and frustrating experiences. Read on to see what's happened in the past 3 years and where we are headed next. We chose to restore the 12 acres of tilled field to native prairie in order to restore the land. Our farm has been cropped … Continue reading Native Prairie Restoration Years 1-3
Varroa mites can decimate your honey bee colony. They weaken the bees, decrease lifespan, and lead to high viral loads. What can be done? Every major honey bee organization recommends taking regular mite counts to assess the health of your colony. An increasing mite load can spell disaster for your hive - increasing disease and … Continue reading What if you are Doing Mite Counts Wrong?
Getting started with honey bees? There is much to learn! Read on to find books that will help you become a better beekeeper. Before we get started, it's important to note that beekeeping is best learned in a "hands-on" environment. Most beekeepers are helpful people and will gladly share their knowledge with you. However, beekeeping … Continue reading The Best Beekeeping Books for Beginners
This article is part of our Native Plant Series and features one pollinator friendly, drought tolerant US native plant hardy to at least zone 4. Prickly Pear cactus is a rare plant! It is native to the United states and can grow as far north as Minnesota. It thrives on dry sandy conditions, though we … Continue reading How to Grow Cold Hardy Prickly Pear Cactus – Edible, Rare, & Unique
This article is part of our Native Plant Series and features one pollinator friendly, drought tolerant US native plant hardy to at least zone 4. Minnesota is tough place to live! It's even tougher for plants. Long cold winters are the hallmark of our state, but most people are unaware that the middle strip of … Continue reading Ohio Spiderwort – Edible, Hardy, and Beautiful
How to permanently improve your sandy soil and grow amazing plants!
