Spring will be here before we know it. There are a few projects bearing mention.
Beekeeping plans are always 2 seasons ahead, so winter should be prepped for by now. In the spring, bee numbers build in preparation for the honey flow. The idea is to do the things necessary to encourage this buildup. That includes giving the bees something that makes them think the flow is on. Mixing 1:1 syrup by mixing 8 pounds of sugar with a gallon of water, then feeding this to the bees mimics nectar. So, gotta plan to get the sugar and prepare to feed them now.
Expanding the orchard is another project. I want to put in some plum trees this spring. Considering where to put them is a project in of itself. They cannot shade the planned high tunnel, will need full sun, be where they can be irrigated sufficiently, and the ground prepped early, late winter or very early spring.
Then, there is the high tunnel experiment. I have a grape vine in a very small high tunnel. I have to watch it beginning in late winter. It is a learning tool for the establishment of a formal 36 foot by 72 foot high tunnel experiment to develop a blueprint for specialty farmers and viticulturists to establish vineyards in high tunnels. Here is a layout of my planned high tunnel.
That’s the major projects for spring. Keep watching for updates.
Mike