Posts By: Peter Brezny

When people say, ‘Honey Bee genetics are complicated’ they’re not kidding!

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If you thought the ‘haplo-diploidy’ video’s I’ve posted links to here previously didn’t give enough of an indication about just how complex Honey Bee genetics are, this article of some new research in Australia will give you something more to think about!   The overview blurb in the popular press can be found here: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2186602-some-honeybees-have-four-parents-or-no-mother-and-we-dont-know-why/ And… Read more »

Compost powered Root zone heating references

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We’re just about to implement some compost-powered root-zone heat systems for a small, indoor plant nursery and the new high tunnel.  These are the best references I came up with on researching the implementation of  compost powered root-zone heating systems for greenhouses or other closed growing environments. Hope you find them helpful! pb All of… Read more »

Biochar, The Slow Burn

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We’ve started producing biochar at the farm, primarily for our own use, but if you twist my arm hard enough I’ll sell some as well. I wanted an easy place to refer back to when I forget the recommended ratio to mix with compost for a good biological/mineral/nutrient pre-charge and subsequent application rates.  So here… Read more »

How can I help “Save the Bees?”

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I get asked this question a lot, and perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the answer isn’t ‘ become a bee keeper’ (there’s a lot of evidence that feral bees are doing just ok, often better than kept honey bees), and our transport of bees/honey/pollen around the world in the age of globalization has done a great job… Read more »

Spring Honey Bee Grafting

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WNC experienced pretty significant honey bee colony losses over the past winter.  The Buncombe County club reports an average of 70% loss.  Our bees were wiped out as well, so this year, I’ve teamed up with friends Joseph and Erik, to raise queens from local, treatment free survivor stock. For a better understanding of why… Read more »