H&H: Volume 7

Our first litter is 8 weeks old

Beekeeping Class with the Southeastern Michigan Beekeepers Association

My husband, Zac, has a deep fascination with eusocial insects (ants, bees, etc.), so when he found out about a hands-on beekeeping course, it was a no-brainer for him to sign up. I decided to sign up as well not just for company but because if bees are going to be on our future property one day, I should probably know a bit about them, too.

About the Beekeeping Course

The course spans 10 months and covers everything from honey bee biology to best practices and honey extraction. Classes are held roughly once a month, on Sundays.

Also, if you’re in Southeast Michigan and interested in learning more about the organization, you can check out their website.

Courses are Expensive… but Worth It?

Homesteading courses aren’t always cheap, and this one is no exception. However, with its 10-month duration, the cost feels a bit more manageable. Right now, we’re still DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) so investing in homesteading education is doable and feels like a worthwhile expense to us.

If you’re thinking about doing a hands-on homesteading class but can’t seem to justify the cost then think of it this way: You wouldn’t view pursuing a degree to advance your career or provide better opportunities to your family as a waste of money. Similarly, we believe that taking courses to expand your homesteading knowledge and gain hands-on experience is 100% worth it— especially when you’re just starting out.

We don’t have an acre of land— or even half an acre. Living in the suburbs, bees, chickens, goats, and beyond aren’t options for us right now. But by taking classes or volunteering at local farms, we’ve found ways to learn and gain hands-on experience despite our limitations.

Here’s the key takeaway for you: If homesteading or raising animals is a dream of yours but your current resources or situation don’t allow for it, don’t let that hold you back. Take a class, visit a farm, and build connections in your community. Every small step you take brings you closer to your goal. Even baby steps can move you forward, little by little, until you get there. Don’t let today’s circumstances stop you from becoming your future self.

In the News: Invasive Japanese Beetles

In the News: Invasive Japanese Beetles

An invasive Japanese beetle is harming Washington’s agriculture, and experts warn that removing these pests could take over a decade.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has implemented various control and elimination measures, including trapping and pesticide applications. The next round of treatment, scheduled for March 31, will focus on targeting beetle larvae. However, the effectiveness of these efforts may be limited, as they require property owner consent. Some property owners have either not responded or opted out due to concerns about pesticide use on their land.

These beetles cause significant damage to crops and gardens, affecting everyone from small homesteaders to local consumers. As crops suffer, the availability and prices of vegetables, wedding flowers, and even animal feed may be impacted, leading to higher costs and potential shortages.

Why This Matters for Small Homesteaders

For small homesteaders, the Japanese beetle infestation serves as a powerful reminder of how invasive species can disrupt not only large-scale agriculture but also backyard gardens and local ecosystems. These pests may seem harmless at first glance, but their impact is anything but that.

Staying informed about invasive species in your area is crucial. Regularly monitor your plants for signs of damage, take preventative measures like setting traps, and report sightings to local wildlife or agricultural authorities to help track and combat the spread. These steps can make a big difference in protecting your garden and contributing to broader eradication efforts.

What We’re Learning

Here are some pretty awesome free resources we’ve been using lately:

• The Tiny Life: As the new year begins, we’ve been brainstorming ideas for our future homestead and figuring out how many acres we’ll need. The Tiny Life offers fantastic visual guides to help you imagine different acreage sizes and what types of animals or gardens you can have on each.

• U.S. Homesteading for Beginners Facebook Group: With over 1.2 million members and thousands of questions asked and answered, this group is an excellent resource for learning and sharing information about homesteading.

Our Favorites This Week

• Countty Levin Feeding Bin: A rabbit sift feeder that easily attaches to your cages or grow-out hutches, making it convenient to provide feed to your rabbits.

• Lyellfe Plastic Rabbit Cage Mats: Durable resting mats that give your rabbits a comfortable spot to rest off the cage wire, helping to keep them happy and healthy.

• All Things Bunnies Twist on Water Bowls (26 oz): Really great bowls that twist onto your cage, so your bunnies can’t throw their freshly poured water across the room.

This Week’s Wrap-Up

As we wrap up this week, let’s remember the importance of staying proactive and informed—whether it’s tackling challenges like invasive pests, expanding our skills through new opportunities, or taking small steps toward our homesteading dreams. Thanks for joining us on this journey, and we look forward to sharing more with you next time!

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