DON’T GIFT NEW BEEKEEPERS A BEEHIVE
Every year I meet at least one excited new beekeeper who received their first beehive as a gift. While this may seem like a wonderful present to give, it's actually not a good idea to gift a new beekeeper a beehive. Read on to find out why! Why Not? Although the...
MY BACKYARD APIARY DESIGN
I have never been satisfied with my backyard apiary design. Not only does it look messy, it makes inspections challenging, especially when they are done with a group of beekeeping students. Now, with my husband Tim's help, I am finally doing something about it! Read...
CAN YOU HARVEST HONEY WITHOUT AN EXTRACTOR?
A honey extractor is an ingenious and quintessetnail tool for harvesting honey, but it is not always the best option. Sometimes, a simpler alternative method called Crush and Strain makes more sense.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A SWARM CATCHING KIT
Get organized for swarm catching with ideas for building your own swarm-catching kit.
10 TIPS FOR A BEE FRIENDLY GARDEN
Ever wonder what a beekeeper grows for her bees? Here is snapshot of what blooms will be in my garden in 2022, plus 10 tips to plan your own garden.
DO I NEED TO WEAR A BEE SUIT?
Many new beekeepers wonder if it's really necessary to wear a bee suit. They see other beekeepers online wearing minimal to no protective clothing and they aspire to be like them. As romantic as it looks, there is a reason bee suits exist. Read on to explore this...
GIFTS FOR BEE LOVERS
The holidays are upon us and so I have put together a list of gifts for bee lovers. Whether you're a beekeeper or just related to one, you'll find something for to dazzle your beeople. Read on for a fun mix of bee related gift ideas! For Artsy Bee Lovers Catherine...
SHOULD YOU CATCH A SMALL SWARM?
When it comes to small swarms, does size matter? In my last post, I wrote about those big beautiful swarms that get us beekeepers running out the door to catch them. In this post I’ll share what you need to know about catching a small swarm of bees. Undersized Swarms...
HOW TO CATCH A GIANT SWARM
Swarm size varies dramatically. Some massive clusters are the equivalent of several watermelons while others are barely grapefruit-sized. These size differences may seem arbitrary, but when a swarm is exceptionally large or small they may need special care. Read on...
HOW TO BEE HUNT
I am no longer satisfied with simply going for a walk or a hike. These activities are now something much more exciting—they are 'Bee Hunts'! Each stroll in the neighborhood or hike through the canyon is an opportunity to search for native bees and other fascinating...