Beekeeping

In April, we moved four of our strongest colonies of honey bees from Florida to our homestead in Kentucky. Even then the fields were full of flowers and the trees were in bloom. We felt good that when we returned to Kentucky in the late summer that the hives would be full of honey ready…

In April of 2022, Philip and I moved the very first livestock to Kowalski Mountain. Four colonies of honeybees were relocated from Florida to the homestead. We selected our strongest colonies and provided them with extra space and resources they needed to survive on their own. Admittedly we would have liked to have returned sooner….

Honey bees face many challenges in our modern world.  Pesticide use in both commercial agriculture and household gardens and the destruction of habitats are concerning problems that honey bees face. However, the greatest threat to honey bees around the world is a tiny villain, barely visible to the naked eye. Fittingly named, Varroa Destructor, they…

It’s an exciting time of year around Kowalski Apiary, it’s honey time! While Philip’s main goal in beekeeping is to grow honey bees, honey is still a “sweet” perk as a beekeeper. If you have ever looked at regular honey in the store, it can be confusing to figure out what all the terms mean….

Recently my father, Tom Seager, asked a question about honey in the honey frames. I gave him a silly answer and we tossed around a few ideas of what the real answer might be. Ultimately, we settled on my silly answer as the final thought. However, it got me thinking, what are my followers’ questions…

Why Are Pollinators Important for our Survival? The number one reason that pollinators are important to the world’s survival is that pollination is vital to plant reproduction. This includes not only pollination services for agriculture which provides the world’s food supply but also the world’s ecosystems. The US Forest Service says it best. It is…

I love the philosophy “turn your waiting room into your classroom.” Philip has always embraced this in everything that he does! Since I met him, he has dabbled in a variety of homesteading projects. Using the time while we are in transition to make mistakes and grow.  If we make a mistake now and kill…

Spring has officially arrived! In Florida, we must watch closely for the changes of the season, as we don’t experience defined seasons like other parts of the country. Our mild Florida winters allow plants to continue to grow and provide an abundance of pollen to our bees most of the year. Still, the change of…