Things around Winterpast have been buzzing this week. Along with new seedlings, the time has come for pruning and primping. So excited to use the knowledge learned in the Master Gardener classes last fall, we also have new tools to try out. Battery-operated toys for gardeners!
The new battery-operated lopper works on the end of a long pole or as a handheld device. It trims limbs up to 1/2″ in diameter like they were made of butter. When we started yesterday, HHH had the loppers extended. Quickly, we switched to the handheld mode and went to town. Twigs here. Branches there. Trimming is a breeze with this handy tool.
Then, there’s the battery-operated mini-chainsaw for bigger limbs. Also on the end of a long extension, it can be converted to hand-held. That might be a little dangerous considering it’s a REAL chainsaw.
The apple trees were easy. A Chinese variety that causes a big mess, the only reason they remain is that they’re 20-year-old trees. The apples produced aren’t for cooking. No matter how long they’re boiled on the stove, they never turn to yummy applesauce or pie filling but remain hard. So disappointing, I which we could just chop then down and start over again, but…they are 20 years old. At least severe pruning made them look more respectable.
Someone should really come up with a battery-operated robotic rake to clean up old leaves. As that hasn’t happened yet, that robot would be me. Most of last years leaves blew away over windy winter days, but the ones that remain are like snow drifts along the fence line. With a little work, the yard is looking more like it’s ready for spring.
The apiary (the place where our bees are kept) is shaping up. All the bushes planted to provide a little privacy are now pruned back. The leaves are raked and soon, it will be time to put the brand-new hive in place.
Why would we need a new hive, you might ask?
Never, ever, ever consider buying a new hive from Amazon. Now, Amazon sells many things. I know it’s possible to be a tiny home online. Heck, I bet they sell ponies somewhere on their website. But, again, never, ever, ever consider buying a beehive from Amazon.
When HHH opened his present on Christmas morning 2023, he was so excited. His very own bee hive. By the next day, the entire hive and super were assembled and ready to go. Everything was done according to the Chinese directions provided. All we needed to do was add bees.
Once the hive was loaded with 40 pounds of honey and bees, the lack of quality became apparent. Heavy frames full of bees and honey began to fall apart. The final problems arrived when the entire outer box began to separate. A terrible purchase. One honey super can weigh between 40 – 50 pounds. If it fails to hold together, the results will be disastrous and dangerous.
Our new hive was purchased from Mann Lake Bee Supplies. The old hive will be reinforced with corner brackets and be a great back-up in case we need one. Good equipment is essential to happy and healthy beekeepers.
Gardening and beekeeping will keep us busy from now until the first frost of Winter 2025. After the cleanup is done and before the bees arrive, it’ll be time for us to slip away for another vacation. After all, if not now, when?
I’ll be back on Monday.
