Virtual Gardeners Advent Calender

[yoanbob]

nick althogh you could use it like that if you wish the idea is that you get fresh honey and things for making soap and creams, which come to think of it you could also use in that way if you wished.

[nick the grief]

Lol

Actually I have always fancied having a go at beekeeping as I love honey in porridge for brekkers on a cold morning.

[yoanbob]

then do it nick! not only would you get your oats (lol) but its the only legal way to steal pollen from your neighbors, just up your street!

[Earthbabe]

Yoanbob that's my wish list complete. Please ensure the beehive is a Dartington long deep to prevent future back problems and I'm away. Failing that a Langstrom will do. Love the gloves too.

Nick - why am I not surprised

[nick the grief]

then do it nick! not only would you get your oats (lol) but its the only legal way to steal pollen from your neighbors, just up your street!

The only problem I can see its the fact I'd get aroung 40lb of honey off a hive (I think thats what I read) ...... that would keep me in porridge for about 10 years !!!

[Mrs Dobby]

You could always use the excess honey as a sweetener instead of sugar in cooking Nick, much less processed, much more natural and I'd wager better for you too! Plus honey has antibacterial properties, so its ideal for smearing onto wounds from cutting back the brambles!

Oh, just remembered, when I said 'you' could always use it in cooking, I meant Mrs Grief could Nick! lol!

[madderbat]

Thanks for the beehive

Just what I need! Was thinking of researching beekeeping to become self-sufficient in sucrose.

Imagine, wine from your own fruit and veg, a permanent yeast culture
[which reminds me I want to tell everyone about the bread I made from the lees of my parsnip wine last month - it worked!! and was tasty ] and honey from your own beehive. Close to paradise

How difficult is it to keep bees?

[nick the grief]

No Idea Madderbat,

Try looking here

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Beekeeping/

[yoanbob]

10th DECEMBER.

oh look, its an apple tree, but you guessed it, no ordinary apple tree, this one fruits all year round, no more storing apples, cider anyone?

[Earthbabe]

And I guess it has both cookers and eaters on it, is heavy yielding and doesn't require any ladders or same to pick fruit and prune.

Bliss!!

[yoanbob]

of course. and it self pollinates. and provides lots of blossum for your hungry bees.

[JennieAtkinson]

... and grows in remote areas.

[Earthbabe]

And is completely hardy!

[madderbat]

thanks for the link

No Idea Madderbat,

Try looking here

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Beekeeping/

Will do.

[Mrs Dobby]

Lovely! I guess that means Mr D doesnt have to go a scrumpying for apples any more then!