GrangeKnows Blog

GENERAL NEST BOX SUGGESTIONS: Boxes that face away from storms are more inviting to birds. Young birds will not become trapped in boxes that tilt forward at the top. Boxes should not have perches to help alleviate predator problems. Boxes should have ventilation and drainage holes. Clean and repair boxes at least once a year.… Read more

Enjoy the many benefits of beekeeping! We’ve all seen those unmistakable white stacked boxes in a field or yard while driving through the country. Full of honeybees, those boxes and the specialized work involved may have seemed interesting, but part of a job that you felt was too complicated, time-consuming, or dangerous. But actually, beekeeping – which is one of the world’s oldest occupations – is a relatively easy activity, inexpens… Read more

The process by which bees make honey is a fascinating natural wonder. Worker bees gather nectar and bring it to the hive. Hive bees continue breaking down the sugars before depositing it into a honeycomb cell. Hive bees use their wings to fan the transforming nectar to evaporate remaining water, thickening the nectar into honey. Finally, hive bees cap the beeswax cell to save the honey for eating later.Hazel ThomasWhen to start beekeeping Sp… Read more

Grange Co-op's own Hazel Thomas guests on KTVL's The Great Outdoors segment with Aaron Nilsson. Beginning as a complete novice, Hazel has now been keeping bees for almost 5 years. She discusses the many benefits of beekeeping, from pollination to wax and the healthy and delicious honey. Also covered: the basic equipment for getting started in beekeeping, available at your local Grange Co-op and on GrangeCoop.com. http://youtu.be/4Bk9gbCOXWU… Read more