paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Aug 23, 2018 8:25:13 GMT 10
Yeah what they said... ^^
Buying a hive from a successful beekeeper will greatly improve your chances of a nicer experience. Every hive has a definite personality and you will quickly learn which ones you can work without getting your gear and which ones you cant pop the lid without getting dive bombed unless you've smoked the place up.
You can 're-queen' an existing hive and that will quickly change its personality. There are queen breeders and specialist queens you can buy that will claim specific traits - docility, high egg laying ect. (it's no different to buying a quality stud cattle)
As the rate of bee deaths is quite high (bees only live a couple months) when you re-queen it wont be long before all your bees are of the new type.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Aug 21, 2018 21:01:01 GMT 10
Amazing stuff! Sauerkraut is something I've always wanted to try making and we go through so much of the rubbish aldi stuff (is just pickled in vinegar).
I will try it soon. (I hope by posting this I force myself to hold to my commitments and have some fresh sauerkraut in my future!)
Need to make a trip to the german butcher and buy some weisswurst... that'll motivate me!
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Aug 21, 2018 20:31:25 GMT 10
I'd still definitely put the plastic hive in a shaded spot so they didn't cook in it 😉 Lol yeah it would definitely have to be done at night. I've already tried to get it removed but no one wants to come out this far even for a free hive 😢 Ideally I'd like to move those bees into a proper hive but I think they are way too entrenched in their cupboard and the hive is huge. Most people who have the skills to do a large extraction like that, already have the hives and it can be a really big job depending on what they've built the hive in. I've done a few decent sized extractions and you pretty much have to remove each piece of comb manually, constantly clearing the bees while you work with a brush or bee-vac (basically a box that you put your vacuum to and allows you to suck up the bees without harming them). You can then fit each piece of comb into wooden frames, holding them in place with natural rubber bands. The bee's will later fix the comb, reattaching it to the frame and you will find your rubber bands chewed through just outside the entrance to the hive (they're very tidy creatures!). The key is getting the queen! She doesn't fly and is a little larger than the other bees. She'll be at the 'back' of the hive on one of the combs that have eggs. Don't get fussy trying to get all the comb, just leave them with enough honey to keep them going (this depends on what time of the year you do the extraction) and plenty of egg combs. You wont be able to get all the bees but just get as many as you can before nightfall (as mentioned by jackosaur they wont really be as happy with you at that point). Now you have most of your bees in the box, as many frames of comb as you could salvage and the queen (hopefully) you have 2 main options. You can either keep the new box within 3-5 meters of the extracted location and spend a couple days encouraging them that the box is really their new home (if you got the queen it shouldn't be hard) or you can take them at least 10km away for a week and bring them back, resetting their navigation. I've done combinations of these two for the bigger jobs and it works quite well. You'll also need to 'clean up' the old location once you've done the extraction... attempting to remove the waxy/honey smell and either painting it or treating it. Otherwise come next spring that'll be the first spot the scout bees find for the new swarm. While this all sounds complicated, it's really not that hard. Buy a suit, watch some youtube (specifically on extractions as well as general keeping)... even do a short course, get some hardware and get it done! It does sound like a big job so plan for it to be a whole day affair and don't be afraid to stop and finish the next day if it gets too much. Once you've squished too many bees and are covered with enough of the 'this person is an enemy' pheromone it's time to take a break and swap clothes. I did my first extraction after watching a bunch of youtube and it was a success. I got stung a lot but learnt a lot along the way and had a blast!
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Aug 21, 2018 20:10:57 GMT 10
Nice post! Great that you are running short classes, more people need to become familiar with bees so they understand and appreciate them rather than fear them.
Interesting perspective on the plastic hardware, can be quite a divisive topic in the bee world. I exclusively use timber hardware - boxes, frames, bases & lids. My foundation is wax and I alternate with foundation-less frames when they're being productive.
My biggest reason for a lot of this is, as you say "bees don't really like plastic".
You mentioned 'bees hate black' I'll add a few things I've found they don't like. Any strong non-natural smell - Strong soaps, deodorants, petrol... Shower the night before you work your bees not the morning you do. Don't fill up the mower, do the lawn, then think... 'oh maybe I should check on the bees'.
Also while bees LOVE canola. I find mine get really aggressive when someone has a crop flowering so be careful. What would normally be fine seems to make them really aggro during canola season.
Completely againts the idea of a flow hive. Thinking you can extract honey without opening the hive and looking at it to see what resources they have goes againts how I feel beekeeping should be done. The honey is their preps, you are taking it from them. If you harvest too much going into winter you risk collapsing a hive. I also go back to my objections to plastic too...
I also don't spin frames to get the honey out. I see the wax as just as valuable of a resource as the honey so relish in the ability to harvest it also. If you run foundation-less frames, it's super easy to cut the honeycomb off and just throw the frame back in the hive. They'll rebuild the wax when they need the capacity.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Aug 12, 2018 12:10:09 GMT 10
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Aug 12, 2018 11:48:48 GMT 10
The luxury activity I think we'll miss the most as a family would simply be driving. The ability to just hop in the car and drive, exploring a new town/park/whatever just for the sake of it. I imagine any post SHTF world our weekend drives would be one of the things we miss the most.
The luxury item would be a chilled Coca Cola... Having given up the others, caffeine remains my one vice. I have plenty of nice coffee beans and teas stored away but sometimes a chilled coke is just the ticket and would be the one luxury I end up trading for if I need a moral boost.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Aug 3, 2018 20:42:48 GMT 10
I'd be down for around 5-6 cans also. Get to the right price point and that doubles though.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Aug 1, 2018 22:19:55 GMT 10
Inspiring thread spinifex! Great to see such productivity...
I'm ashamed to admit I let things fall fallow over summer due to being busy and having ridiculously dry weather... I even had a row of 3-4 year old acacias (the beginnings of a wind break for a spot I'm trying to cultivate) completely fall over and die.
Seems like you've got some pretty serious wind breaks around do you dig that iron/poly into the ground for pests also or is it mostly for wind?
I'm jealous of your favas! Mine never make it even close to that high...
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Aug 1, 2018 22:03:33 GMT 10
I've got the wholesale link for the red feather butter.... Min order though of $200 which is maybe 48 cans or so
Interesting... Could fit a dozen in a 5kg satchel (only about $17 from aus post) pretty easily and I'm sure there'd be a few on here down for it.
Would you consider organising a group buy if people pre-paid?
I love the idea of canned butter I just don't need 16kg of it...
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Feb 9, 2018 14:33:22 GMT 10
Yeah soggy is basically soil that is too wet. If soil is wet roots can't breathe and the plant will drown.
If you have a heavy soil mix (lots of clay) you need to think about adding things such as coir, pearlite, expanded clay and other various light materials to increase drainage/create air pockets.
In traditional gardening over-watering is less of a problem as the moisture content will equalise over a larger area and it has somewhere to go. In container gardening it's very easy to over water if you don't have good drainage as you're dealing with a much smaller system.
The soil should always feel moist but never wet. More frequent smaller waterings are better... You may read conflicting advice on this due to traditional gardening where this is the wrong approach.
Also you're not really interested in the top 1/2 inch of soil (which really should be mulch anyway) you need to stick your finger in 1" to know what's going on.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Feb 8, 2018 23:37:50 GMT 10
You water plants before they dry out but not too often as they would be soggy... This is vague because there is no answer and any book/website that tells you how often to water X is wrong. A small pot in direct sun can dry out in just a few hours on a hot day. Use larger pots where possible (but not too big for what you're planting as you don't want to transplant into a massive pot 1 strawberry plant, make a good go of it for system stability)
Strawberries will do great in direct sun if they don't dry out, your lifestyle will dictate how much you give them.
Compost needs good moisture management, so long as you have a mix of dry grass and wet clippings/scraps you will make acceptable compost so long as it's turned regularly for oxygen and you add soil/clay for stability.
Organic matter is always great but what you're really getting from the compost are organisms. We'll made compost is a better environment for the generation of a good ecosystem that you can then innoculate your plants with. Think of it as a probiotic for your soil. What's often misunderstood is that bad compost is worse for your soil than no compost. If you generate anerobic conditions in your compost and it smells bad do NOT put it on your plants, you'll be setting your soil backwards.
I don't do strawberries from seed but I'm sure it'll be on the packet... I'd suggest if set on strawberries you source some runners locally that have adapted to the same climate/conditions you will be growing them under. Runners are ppanred in spring. Seedlings are fine but will often be grown from the same non-adapted seedstock. If you're set on seeds find a local organic seed grower for best chances of adapted stock, take runners in the next year from the best plants.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Feb 7, 2018 16:01:36 GMT 10
Welcome to the forum, Jim.
A good start would be to specify where you're from. All gardening advice is highly localised and seasonal so impossible to give any advice as to which would be better or if they should be in sun or shade without knowing your climate.
If you're new to gardening (climate dependent) I'd start with tomatoes, specifically cherry tomatoes... They'll be more forgiving than strawberries and don't require such a high organic/fungal content in the soil to be successful and grow in more climates.
Container gardening can be fun but is a lot of work. Need to keep up that water... I'd also suggest a reservoir/self watering pot so it's a bit more forgiving for watering requirements.
Also best way to learn is to just get started. There will be many failures but that's how we learn and best to get that out the way whilst we're not relying on the food to survive.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Feb 6, 2018 12:19:27 GMT 10
DOW up 10% for the 6 month period, 20% for the 12 month period...
I don't believe this correction is a sign of anything more than a healthy market.
A further 10% drop would actually give me more confidence in the market, not less... 25% p/a growth is not right and the markets know this.
Metals prices are still within normal ranges, markets still at what were record highs a few months ago... Keep an eye on things sure but some of the news stories I've been reading today are laughable...
Stay the course, keep a level head.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Jan 18, 2018 12:36:15 GMT 10
As I mentioned in the other thread, my 26 yo daughter is looking to buy a third property. Westpac have offered to lend her up to $1mil, but we've had a discussion and she agrees with me that the next couple of movements in rates will be upwards. So she's holding off and putting excess income into increasing equity in her existing properties. If the bubble bursts she will be fine. In fact, a medium to large reduction in house prices would be a great opportunity to use her earning power to buy at least one additional property. The upside of a crash is those with wealth or high earning capacity have the opportunity to make some serious money. For us, economic collapse is good. ^^ this 1000% Those predicting a correction in housing are often seen as doomsayers (some are TBH) but for me it's more just about seeing what is ahead and acting accordingly. If you own your home out right or have sufficient equity to ride it out it really means nothing to you over sufficient time period as it will always come back up. Land will always be a good investment if done right and people don't get greedy. Far too many investors push the limits of their income and equity, that greed will bite you in the ass long term.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Jan 18, 2018 9:43:29 GMT 10
Further to the 'everything bubble' thread and my thoughts on excessive interest only loans increasing the fragility of the system. There was an interesting article front page of the AFR this morning... www.afr.com/real-estate/interestonly-borrowers-brace-for-mortgage-crunch-20180116-h0ixx3Is behind a paywall but hopefully the link provided will work... (will depend on your browser) This change to conditions and therefore increase in payment terms could lead to a sell off in my opinion. Not something to panic about obviously... But factor it in.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Jan 16, 2018 14:57:09 GMT 10
I can see the advantage of a ham licence and set up when the SHTF, and of having used it before a time like that, and having made contact with people, etc. That is all still prep for when the bad times come. What is the advantage of a ham licence for times when things are going well? Hard to say there is one beyond what you get from any hobby really... A bit of fun, chance to meet new people and a framework for developing new skills. There's people all along the spectrum from complete nutters to those that just use it to pass the time on long drives. You can not have financial gain from ham and cannot offer radio services to others. I really don't think it's for everyone. If electronics and gadgets make your head spin, you're gonna have a bad time. If all ham was to me was a method for communication during SHTF, I wouldn't have a licence as it's difficult to cost/benefit like that. If you're a tinkerer however, it can be a very rewarding hobby.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Jan 16, 2018 12:44:13 GMT 10
Really depends on the type of battery but if we're talking lead acid make sure it's stored fully charged and take it down to about 50-70% every few months then charge her back up again to 100%.
Not a battery expert, just what I was taught regarding a standing car battery.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Jan 16, 2018 12:14:59 GMT 10
Does anyone know of an Australian internet based ham licensing course? My belief is that the best way to get started is this book... Can get a copy online or your local ham club will sell it to you for like $20 If you're new to electronics and em waves some of the content may take a bit to wrap your head around. Good to review the content before going for a course.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Jan 16, 2018 12:00:31 GMT 10
Thanks for the post, Jonasparker. The shooting analogy is not perfect but I feel valid and agree with the sentiment.
The idea that you'll "just pick it up in an afternoon" after reading the manual I feel is a flawed one but not because you won't know the Q codes or won't be able to turn the radio on. The radio spectrum is a big wide world out there and if we're talking SHTF communications you'll have limited power so accuracy of communication will be vital.
To use another imperfect analogy... You're seeking help in an abandoned city, there are a handful of people in the city in different places during different times of the day. You have a map, a compass and a book on navigation.
It's going to be fairly important that you've spent time in that city if you ever want to find help. Why would I need to know which region of the city the people will be in or what kind of buildings they would be in is not something you'd ask.
It's not a matter of people ignoring you if you use the wrong slang... You'll just never find someone.
For me the importance of getting your licence is the opportunity to spend time in that great big city that is the radio spectrum and learn what goes down when. Success in radio is not when you've transmitted a signal but when you've made contact.
|
|
paranoia
Senior Member
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1,252
Email: para@ausprep.org
|
Post by paranoia on Jan 16, 2018 10:47:50 GMT 10
In my opinion the housing market continues to grow, not because of good economic factors, but due to poor ones.
If you have wealth you're always faced with the issue of where to keep it. The fact that the housing market is growing so well (growing on average, as housing markets are very localised) does not mean things are good. This growth is not tied to wages or productivity growth so it's just money being shifted in from other markets.
Being housing, this money is highly leveraged and we have a really high household debt to gdp ratio. Many of these loans are interest only too...
I don't see this happening in 2018 but at some point conditions will change. Interest rates will rise and you'll start to see better returns out of stocks... The smart people will jump ship early, a quick drop in prices and people panic... Prices drop and the high debt investments are no longer viable.
No market can exist without corrections. My fear is that we have so many convinced that Australia's housing market can keep going that it's been built on fragile low capital investments...
|
|