Beekeeping Class

Attended the second session of a 2 weekend beginners beekeeping class on Saturday that was held at one of the farms of the pioneer families here in the Matanuska Valley. Placed and order for the frames as I am building the boxes myself. Th class was taught by a long time Alaska beekeeper Steve Victors. http://www.alaskawildflowerhoney.com/
It was a great primer for a first time beekeeper in Alaska, I would recommend it to anyone just starting out.

Winters not giving up without a fight.

Just got back from Seattle, 4 inches of new snow on the ground. Old man winter isn't going out without a fight.

Warming up

Stuck my head in the greenhouse and it was 60 deg inside. I can't wait.

Getting ready to start seeds.

Getting ready for seed starting. Will have some pictures shortly of my seed starting operation. I have to travel for some business this next week so I am putting off doing any seed starting till after that. I will be experimenting with different light sources and invite any comments about that subject. At this point I am going with the assumption that the Extension service makes, that is that the main requirement is that the maximum amount of lumen's is achieved and that you don't actually need a specific wavelength. So at this point I am using just the inexpensive 4 foot shop lights. Also using an electric heating pad as my garage is not heated.

Just starting out.

This is my second year vegetable gardening in Alaska. Last year I built a greenhouse and a raised bed and had a great summer growing tomatoes and lettuce. This year I intend to expand into different veggies and bees, and possibly getting started with some apple trees and berry bushes. Ive been inspired by the Dervaes from So Cal, also the expense of good tasting food up here in AK.