And finally, this is my current best guess as to some tractor issues. Didn't know if anybody else had any info or experience. I'm hoping that the algaecide and tank cleaning additives get me back up and running properly.
Huh I would have never guessed about something like that. The more you know, out of curiosity what type of tractor do you have?
slowly but surely we are getting our wildflower mix right and getting less weeds, maybe we will nail it and spread it over a larger area next spring.
John Deere 870 4wd. 1998 model, 30hp with loader. It badly needed fuel filters, and was audibly happier after changing them , but then cut out again when I switched from grading (foot throttle) activities to mowing (constant PTO loading). Cut off on 2 consecutive mowing "laps" in the same place after making a left hand, off camber turn. Mechanic buddy said crap in the bottom of the tank is "sloshing" over to the pickup. I dosed all three of our diesel machines (they share fuel cans) last night and let them idle to temp. Kubota RTV, Case 580 SM have shown no signs of bad fuel/contamination, but it made sense to me. Used Power Service additives, Bio-Kleen anti microbial and Diesel-Clear tank cleaner.
I procrastinated in January and didn’t get my seeds started so no heirloom varieties this year. I planted the standard zucchini and squash I found at the local garden center and they are growing monsters. Been eating these for the last several weeks and was surprised at the beginning that they were still tender and taste amazing. Thats a can of peas at the top for scale reference.
I swear billdozer lives the laziest life of anyone on this board Guy just goes home from work every day and sits and doesn't do a damn thing
38 medium frames I think, a couple weren't completely full. I think 2 supers had 9 frames and 2 had 10.
We've got 30 mediums above the queen excluders, but they won't all be full, I think. Thinking of trying it by hand (tubs) as opposed to a spinner. First time. Are we setting up for disaster?
Probably. I've only used spinners. I'm not sure how the tub works, are you cutting the comb out and squeezing? If so, seems like a waste of comb. How do you get the honey out?
All valid questions sir. Think you basically uncap it and let it drain, leaving as much comb as possible. Need to do some research, obviously. We do have access to a spinner. Again, near total rookie here.
Just thinking about honey that's not capped but close to it, part of how you tell if you can extract it or not is shake the frame. If honey comes out, it's not ready to extract.
Looks like if you don't use an extractor, it's basically destroy the comb. https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/extractorless-extracting.asp https://www.honeybeesuite.com/no-extractor-no-problem/
If you know the model or have the instructions, make sure you read them. Some spin both ways, some spin one way were you spin it then flip the frames and spin it again.
I do. Shipping usually runs pretty high. Have to do 3 pints to really make it close to making sense. Can fit 3 in a typical USPS rate box.
You know you're on the list, but I probably ought to make sure I have a clue how to harvest it before I make any promises! We're planning it out. Will try and post pics of bumbling our way through it.
Little over a gallon off 8 medium frames. Used a comb pick to uncap, manual spinner, and then filtered. Was hoping for more yield, but quantity was pretty much perfect for our first run. End result is both beautiful and delicious. Fresh honey definitely has a richness/depth of flavor that is noticeable. Cool stuff.
8 medium frames should have given you 2.5 gallons or so. Were they not full? Looks like nice color to it though.
I'd say 2 of them were full. Maybe 3 tops. Hives have been setup and inhabited for a year. Hoping that our colonies continue to grow and produce more. We only took frames off the top super (above queen excluder) and my wife is concerned about taking too much from them. I will say that the comb/pick style uncapper leaves the entire comb wall intact so they should have a good foundation for next year.
Get one or two of these for next year. Combined with the pick to get the spots that are hard to get with this and to scrape comb out of the tines, it's a breeze.
Feel like if we did anything well, using the "poke" method to open the comb meant that we only filtered about 4 TBSP of chunk wax out. Really tried to leave the girls everything we could in that regard. Really appreciate your guidance billdozer .
Now with three diesel machines, I decided I've carried enough fuel in 5 gal jugs. Latest project completed today. Extended overhang on shop, poured pad, and set salvaged 275 gallon tank. Hand pump, filter, and all fittings came in between 4-500 bucks. Will start making that back pretty quickly in time and fuel. First delivery of off road diesel this week. Delivered cost less than $3/gal.
Look at this sumbitch traipsing around like he owns the place. This is our driveway cam. Beehives secure.
Holy shit I've gotta get some evening shade on my garden I've been taking care of my neighbors garden this week while they are gone, and he has a row of birch trees planted on the NW side of his garden that shades most of it in the evening and it's like a huge light bulb went off in my head as to why his garden is always so much better than mine. His is also 4 times the size of mine and he is retired, but damn it's not too bad being in his in the evenings when it's cooled down to 104 outside
Anyone grow pink lemonade blueberries? I know they are self pollinating so would multiple pink lemonade bushes work as pollinator companions or should I look for another variety? Also how much sunlight do they need? I’m in Alabama so wondering if true full sun might be a bit much for the summer heat
I'd like to see one of the cubs meet the electric fence. I'm told if a bear gets shocked once, they'll never try again. Hope I don't prove that incorrect. We had 5 different bears come by in one weekend last month. This is a new trail cam and location.
I got a compost tumbler for Christmas from someone randomly. I am far more pumped than I ever should be.
I've been researching a ton lately on homesteading/hobby farming, really hoping that's a lot of the next chapter of my life. Moving back to WA full time in May and looking to buy some acreage around Bellingham. Finished this book: Starting this soon: Question - how much land is "too much?" I'm never going to rely on this as income-producing, but def want a pretty aggressive veggie garden, some local fruit trees, and at least a chicken coup. I also don't want so much land that I'd need a tractor...I think? Maybe that's just easier. I'm thinking 5 acres is the sweetspot, maybe up to 10. I'd like a portion of it forested for where I'll build my home, and maybe the garden/mini-farm cleared? There are some great properties with mountain views that are 15-20 and I feel like that's way too big.
I’m also very confused by this not wanting a tractor thing. Tractors are awesome, especially with a grapple.
I'm really just worried about biting off more than I can chew and getting over my head. But, if I'm going all-in, I guess it shouldn't be a concern. I also haven't drank in like 4 weeks and had a few beers tonight so there's that
This place, if a little more forested, would be pretty ideal: https://www.redfin.com/WA/Ferndale/3050-Slater-Rd-98248/home/146633605
Thing about land is that, worst case, you decide to not use it and let it grow wild while holding an asset. Nothing wrong with that. You could also find a ton of other ways to use it eventually and be happy you got more than you thought you needed.
Have started pond build. Site work underway. Felled walnut trees in the footprint, and had a log buyer out yesterday. Hoping to have a dozer here in the next couple of weeks. Went and looked at an old Cat D4D, still need to go run a Komatsu D45, and see which one I want. Komatsu has a hydraulic 6 way blade, Cat is manual adjust for tilt and angle. Cat is about $5k less.
I've got 2 hives right now. They'll start building up from the winter but in the prime time of the year they'll be 40k+ bees in each hive. If I can keep them from swarming much, I'd hope to get 10-20 gallons from each hive. Of course, that also depends on rain or a late freeze, etc.