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….
More than a year ago, I learned that natural luffa sponges are harvested from a plant! Maybe you believed a long time like I did that luffa sponges came from the ocean. I was absolutely floored that I could grow luffa gourds right at home! Right away I ordered enough seeds for myself and both…
It started rather innocently, I noticed that the Broad breasted turkeys looked like they had injured their waddles, both of them. I couldn’t figure out how they would have done this. They walk the fence lines some, but certainly not enough to hurt themselves and their feathers were intact. Turkeys that walk the fences, usually…
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…
When people use the term “homestead” animals are usually a part of that image. Here at Kowalski Mountain, it’s important that our animals on the homestead have a purpose that brings enrichment to the farm. Some animals on the homestead are working members of the team, others provide nourishment while others provide companionship. We currently…
Currently, Philip and I live in Central Florida which is garden zone 9A which experiences mild winters. In the past several years we have found that if we plant our garden early when there is still a chance of frost, we are much more successful with the garden. We do have to be very mindful…
Several years ago, Philip and I decided to raise turkey as a replacement for chicken, with the idea we would get more bang for our buck raising larger birds. We purchased our very first trio of Narragansett heritage turkeys locally. We discovered first and foremost that we don’t care for turkey as a replacement for…
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…
