Comments on: Oh my! What a weekend!

By: Diane F. Wyzga

Diane F. Wyzga — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 02:45:05 +0000

Congratulations on the new venture! I am one of many backyard beekeepers. I actually took a weekend course at the University of Minnesota & time went by. I almost gave up hope. And then, as will happen, the bees found me. It is a wonderful hobby which I am turning into a honey of a business. Good luck to you! I recommend 3 books, each of which has its own things to teach: Beekeeping for Dummies, Natural Beekeeping (an organic approach), The Backyard Beekeeper.

By: Diane

Diane — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Your farm sounds wonderful. I’ve just found your web site recently and love to check it often. I wish I lived close enough to visit and lend a hand, untrained as I am but interested. I have been interested in all sorts of crafts over the years, and recently I’ve gotten into spinning and knitting. I met a woman at the spinning group who owns Hunter Hill Alpacas here in CT. They are sooo beautiful and I’ve added them to my list of sheep and goats. Do you ever think of adding alpacas to your fiber farm?
I actually started this message to say that I am learning about beekeeping, too! I have joined the BYBA in CT. I plan to set up a hive or two when we move in the near future to our new home in Tennessee. There does seem to be so much to know, but I think some hands-on experience will take care of that. Have fun! I’ll keep checking and compare notes with you!

By: turtle

turtle — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:51:13 +0000

a good productive weekend, and so glad salina healed well, even if she is not preggars! Oh a compost tumbler would be nice, but i did get a tool last month to finally help me with the turning task.

By: Linda S.

Linda S. — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:38:42 +0000

Here’s another good compost bin:
http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/building-compost-bin.aspx
It works great because you can use the pieces to make the pile as tall as you need or make 2-3 shorter ones.

By: Andrea B.

Andrea B. — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:45:12 +0000

Salina has had such an eventful life this past year I’m not surprised she gave lambing a pass this time, poor thing. I’m glad her leg is doing well.

By: Mich

Mich — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 03:10:04 +0000

Well that one is cheaper than some of the other ones I’ve seen. We don’t have much sun in our yard so we can’t really do the traditional compost pile (pallet bin right out sadly). Thanks for the info! good luck with the garden. (I’m totally jealous of your weekend, it’s done nothing but rain and snow here!)

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:07:01 +0000

Hey Mich! They ARE expensive, aren't they? These are the kind I have. I bought the first one two years ago, and love it because it make the compost quickly. Since we are starting a new garden this year and will need to add lots of soil amendments I ordered a second one. We will also be building this compost bin out of pallets as soon as the Fall 2008 yarn is shipped. You're supposition about the construction of the bin is right but it's more like 2 40 gallon buckets bolted together, with a metal pile through the middle that fits onto a stand that make is (sort of) easy to turn everyday. It also has vents for circulation. We've been really happy with the one we have, and I do think it's faster than a traditional pile.

By: Mich

Mich — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:56:41 +0000

Where did you get that compost tumbler? Or did you make it, cause it almost looks like two 5 gallon buckets bolted together. I need something like that for my own garden and the commercial ones are freaking expensive!