Bees are busy buzzing and Spring is definitely in the air. That means pollen too. Good for the bees, bad for allergy sufferers. I've gathered ten helpful tips for all of you who want to enjoy the fresh air but find it difficult to do so during this time of year.   1. Timing: Know the best time to go outside. Pollen counts are highest in the mornings and on warm and dry days. Windy days stir up the pollen and make it worse. Beware of the first sunny day following a series of cloudy days. Pollen builds up on...

What does handmade pottery have in common with beeswax candles? Where does sustainability come into play? And what do the bees have to do with it? You can read that and much more here: The production of ceramic vessels and objects has an even longer tradition than that of beeswax candles. However, both have one thing in common: They are made of natural materials and are lovingly made by hand. Each piece is unique. Beeswax candles and handmade ceramics have been making a comeback for a number of years as sustainable, resource-saving commodities. Especially today against the background of increasing...

This is my third year in beekeeping. And every year I'm confronted with something new. The saying goes: A first year queen will never swarm. A second year queen may swarm. A third year queen will most definitely swarm. Yup, that about sums up my experience. What does it mean when the bees want to swarm? Swarming is the natural way that bees reproduce. The old queen leaves the hive and takes about half of the working bees with her. The bees remaining in the hive build a new queen. Thus, out of one colony, you now have two. The...