I’ve not used a solar wax extractor but we have one built ready, but we need replacement glass for the top as this got broken.
I’ve just watched this excellent video that offers some great hints on how to maximise the wax you get out of brood frames. It’s often said you don’t get much wax from brood combs, but this video explains how you might ensure you get more.
Quite a short video but well worth while watching.
Highly recommended. It covers everything you need to know for starting out as a beekeeper. It is a useful guide to read as an introduction and then useful ongoing as a reference.
The HAYNES BEE MANUAL is such a useful book, and in true haynes manual style is packed with plenty of diagrams and graphics to explain the text. It’s not text heavy so you can enjoy reading it with all the illustrations. It comes in so useful that you can use it as the main guide for taking your BBKA Basic assessment and you should do well. The photos are very clear and will help explain the practical craft of beekeeping.
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Haskins Garden Centre releases tips on making the most out of your natural Christmas tree
“Christmas is a coming” and Haskins Garden Centres has released some top tips on how to make the most out of natural Christmas trees this festive period.
Real cut Christmas trees come in a number of varieties and the length of time they retain their needles differ – Nordmann Fir and Noble Fir are renowned for greater needle retention.
Alasdair Urquhart, plant advisor at Haskins Garden Centres, explains: “For those who enjoy a natural tree, there’s something special about the scent of its fresh needles. Along with festive food and goodwill, a dressed tree is an essential feature of Christmas. Whether you prefer artificial or real, a Christmas tree is the centrepiece of the season and a little care and attention will undoubtedly help its performance over the coming weeks.”
1. Choose for the space you have
Large trees are best for rooms with tall ceilings or as focal points in open hallways, whereas medium and small trees are ideal for an average sized living room. Oddly shaped trees might lend well to a particular part of the house. For example, a tree with a flat side is perfect for positioning against a wall while a tree with a wide base will suit a corner.
2. Store it well
The best way to store a ‘real’ tree before it is brought indoors is to remove the net and keep it in a cool, dry, wind sheltered spot, preferably in a bucket of water.
3. Make it last
Christmas trees can drink up to three pints of water per day, especially in a warm room. So it is best to place the tree in a water-holding stand as this will reduce the task of watering, to just topping up. Keeping the tree away from direct heat sources, such as fires or hot radiators, will also prolong its life.
Haskins offers the service of sawing an inch off the end of the Christmas tree trunk when purchased, to prepare the tree for being planted in a bucket and keep it looking its best for longer.
Prices for Christmas available at Haskins Garden Centres range from:
– £19.99 for a 3ft cut Christmas tree.
– £62.99 for a premium 7 to 8ft Christmas tree.
– Artificial varieties start from £49.99 for a 6ft Christmas to £149.99 for premium 7ft version.
Haskins Garden Centres is located in Ferndown in Dorset, West End in Southampton and Roundstone and Snowhill in West Sussex. www.haskins.co.uk
Professional Wasp Kit £14.98
Wasp Bait – An extremely effective bait attracting most types of wasps. Does not attract honey bees. Ideal for use with our Wasp Trap.Wasp Trap – Sturdy and completely effective, and not breakable like glass, our Wasp Trap can be reused countless times and refreshed within seconds.
Giant Aerated Polythene Growing Tunnel £12.99
A physical barrier against harsh weather, birds and animals, aeration holes prevent overheating and allow access for pollinating insects and rainwater. The strong, long-lasting, soft green polythene retains warmth and moisture whilst preventing scorching. Its drawstring ends can be left open or closed. And, with rust proof galvanised steel hoops built in, the tunnel folds away quickly and neatly. Length 3m (10), width 60cm (2), height 45cm (18).
Haws Long Reach Watering Can – Green £12.99
A superb quality 5 litre long-reach, blow-moulded plastic can complete with an oval brass face watering rose and an interchangeable plastic down-spout.
Bright Eye Owl Spotlights £10.99
Made by one of the leading manufacturers of garden lights in Europe, these charming outdoor ornaments make a fun addition to any garden. Their huge eyes will capture your heart by day and light up your garden at night. Just position them in a sunny spot so that the solar panel charges up during the day, and the white LEDs (one in each eye) come on automatically when darkness falls (minimum operating time of 6+ hours when fully charged). And, as they’re solar powered, there’s no wiring and no operating costs! Designs will vary. 11 x 11 x 11cm high.
Easy Flower Grow Frame + FREE Sweet Pea Seeds £9.99
Now also available in a narrower width, prefectly designed for growing flowers. Made from durable plastic coated steel, these grow frames are robust and weatherproof. The easy flower grow frames include easy clip connections for cross bars with integrated hooks for additional netting. Ridged poles enable a better grip for plants. Size 1.2m high x 1.2m wide. PLUS a packet of our easy-to-grow sweet pea seeds that will smother it in deliciously scented blooms all summer!
Tri-Gro Kids Planter + Free Seeds £9.99
The fun way to get kids growing veg, fruit and flowers. Perfect for kids studying science key stage 1 & 2 as they can create their own patio garden and then get growing! What’s in the tube? A tri-angular planter yellow support frame (1.55m) with red topper, 2 sheets of fun character stickers, trivia fact sheet complete with jokes, facts and growing tips. Plus FREE packet of seeds!
Windowsill Kit £9.99
Windowsill kit contains:- 20 JiffyR Strip Windowsill Propagator x 3 – Easy to use – just add compost and water.- Summer Long Fertiliser – Make feeding plants easy by mixing this controlled release fertiliser in with the soil or compost when planting. The granules will release nutrients to the plants as required, providing feed throughout the following summer. All you have to do is add water!- 5 packets of different flower seeds from our range.
Bright Eye Frogs £9.99
As well as making an amusing addition to your garden during daylight hours, our Bright Eyes Frog is perfect for adding atmosphere and light to your garden after darkness falls, on the patio, in a border, or alongside a path. Simply position it in direct sunlight and the solar panel charges during the day, the two white LEDs (one in each eye) lighting up automatically at dusk (minimum operating time of 6+ hours when fully charged). It requires no wiring and costs nothing to run. What more could you ask for? Designs will vary. 13 x 9 x 13cm high.
Gnome Spotlights £9.99
Bringing gnomes into the 21st century, these cheerful fellows will not only brighten up your garden by day, but also illuminate automatically at dusk, to bring a soft, ambient glow to your night-time garden! Made from durable resin, they’re ideal for taking pride of place on a patio or deck, or nestling amongst the foliage in a border. Position them in direct sunlight and their integral solar panels charge during the day, providing a minimum of 6+ hours of illumination from the white LEDs at night. And there’s no fiddly wiring or running costs to worry about! Designs will vary. 12 x 10 x 13cm high.
Cell Tray Kit £8.00
Cell Tray Kit contains 5 x 12 Cell Trays with peat & lid.
Multi Pot Deal £8.00
Multi Pot Deal contains:- 15 x 6 Yellow Pots- 15 x 6 Red Pots- 25 x 51/2cm Brown Pots- 5 different packets of flower seed from our range- 5 different packets of vegetable seed from our range
Pea & Bean Netting + 2 packets of Pea Seed £7.99
Green Netting – Made from tough polyethylene, this 17cm (7) square green mesh net is ideal for supporting peas, runner beans, sweet peas and other climbing plants. 2m (6’6) x 10m (32’8). PLUS 2 packets of Pea seeds – Early onwards.A heavy crop of pods in pairs about 10 days earlier than Onward. Very popular. RHS Award of Garden Merit winner. Height 60cm (2′). Early Variety. W = Wrinkled. Can be sown in succession from March to June.Allow 60-120cm (2-4′) between rows according to the height of the variety. General sowing and cultural instructions are given on all our packets. Most varieties freeze well, but some are especially suitable. (12-14 weeks maturity.)
Pea and Bean Seed Offer £7.10
This great pea and bean offer includes 1 packet each of the following varieties:Pea Onward – Very widely grown in all areas. Heavy crop of blunt-ended pods in pairs containing plump peas. Excellent for table and freezing and outstanding for exhibition. Resistant to Fusarium Wilt. RHS Award of Garden Merit winner. Height 60cm (2′). Wrinkled seed. Packet contains approximately 260 seeds.Dwarf French Bean Borlotto Firetongue – Ideal for fresh use or as dried seeds (haricots) in a wide range of dishes. The seeds and pods are attractively mottled, and will last throughout winter if dried and stored in airtight jars. Packet contains approximately 110 seeds.Runner Bean Prizewinner – Good crop of medium length pods of fine flavour. Packet contains approximately 45 seeds.Pea Oregon Sugar Pod (Mangetout) – A superb Sugar Pea with long slightly curved fleshy pods which should be gathered young and cooked whole. Height 105-120cm (3-4′). Round seed. Recommended by the National Institute of Agricutural Botany. Packet contains approximately 245 seeds.Dwarf French Bean Sprite – Outstanding variety. Completely stringless, dark green round pods. 15cm (6) long. Suitable for freezing and organic growing. Packet contains approximately 130 seeds.
Propagator and Seeds £7.00
Contents: 1 x 12 cell tray with peat & lid. Plus an assortment of veg and flower seeds from across the Suttons range.
Grow Cloche £6.99
A pop-up cloche which creates a protective climate that stimulates growth of plants, as well as protecting against poor weather, birds, pests and chilly nights! Ground pegs included. 48cm (19) square x 57cm (22) high. Pack of 2.
Peat Pot Offer x 2 £5.00
Easy to use – just add compost and water. For seeds or cuttings – transfer plant and pot direct into garden or containers. 100% biodegradable. Contents: 32 8cm (3) Jiffy Pots x 2 packs.
Mystery Plant £5.00
Its a mystery but you will be delighted with your wonderful potted plant. For just 5.00 you will receive a top quality plant, a living gift worth at least 20.00 from our current range. (Please note: Image is for illustration purpose only.)
Garlic & Shallot Collection £5.00
Collection contains large garlic bulbs that are very tasty and shallots which are robust with a spicy taste.Garlic Bulbs: Try our giant garlic, the best bulbs for the home grower – only bigger! Expect around 10 cloves per bulb: Champion White – Great tasting, very large bulbs. Fantastic variety, great for the British climate. Suitable for planting from October right through to April. Begin harvesting in July from an October planting & Champion Purple – Excellent strong taste with very purple skin. Grows great in any climate, even throughout a wet summer! Suitable for planting from October to January. One of the earliest garlics, begin harvesting in June from October planting. 6 Bulbs (3 of each variety).Shallot Griselle – A robust spicy taste that will not disappoint! Best planted October to mid December, it multiplies well to give a good crop of long, grey-skinned bulbs in June. Use green or dried for storage well into winter. Essential vegetables with a distinct flavour. Ideal for pickling as well as cooking. Easy-to-grow, undemanding crop. Always provide good yields. 400g pack.
Propagation & Tomato Seed Growing Kit £4.99
Grow your own tasty tomatoes with this Seed Growing Kit that contains 3 different tomato varieties and 12 expandable pots:Tomato Marmande – distinctive beefsteak tomato, delicious sliced for salads, sandwiches or cooking.Tomato Alicante – tasty tomato, reliable and easy-to-grow, good in salads, salsas and soups.Tomato Gardener’s Delight – sweet-tasting, bite-sized cherry tomato ideal for salads.ALSO included are 3 x 12 Cell Trays with peat & lid.
Propagation & Flower Seed Growing Kit £4.99
Grow your own beautiful flowers with this Seed Growing Kit that contains 3 different flower varieties and 12 expandable pots:Lobelia String of Pearls – Small bushy plants in a range of colours. Ideal for container growing. 10cm (4).Petunia Cheerful – Spreading plants with medium-sizede flowers of many colours. Perfect for the centre of a pot or basket. 30cm (12).Pansy Giant Fancy Mix – A Swiss Giant pansy, bearing large flowers, all with blotches at petal bases, in an excellent colour range. Height 15-23cm (6-9). ALSO included are 3 x 12 Cell Trays with peat & lid.
Propagation & Windowsill Herb Seed Growing Kit £4.99
Grow your own tasty herbs with this Seed Growing Kit that contains 3 different herb varieties and 12 expandable pots:Chives – delicious onion flavoured herb for salads, egg and cheese dishes.Parsley Moss Curled 2 – ideal for salads or garnishing.Basil Sweet – a tasty herb superb with tomato dishes.ALSO included are 3 x 12 Cell Trays with peat & lid.
Propagation & Garden Herb Growing Kit £4.99
Grow your own tasty herbs with this Seed Growing Kit that contains 3 different herb varieties and 12 expandable pots:Basil – a tasty herb superb with tomato dishes.Thyme – fragrant herb for use with poultry and other meat dishes.Coriander – use leaves or resulting seeds in curries and casseroles.ALSO included are 3 x 12 Cell Trays with peat & lid.
Propagation & Patio Salad Seed Growing Kit £4.99
Grow your own tasty salad with this Seed Growing Kit that contains 3 different varieties and 12 expandable pots:Tomato Gardener’s Delight – sweet-tasting, bite-sized cherry tomato ideal for salads.Cucmber Marketmore – a tasty item for patio or garden growing.Lettuce Salad Bowl – for patio or garden. Pick leaves as required.ALSO included are 3 x 12 Cell Trays with peat & lid.
Vigoroot Table Garden £59.99
The Vigoroot Table garden not only looks the part on your patio it will also produce healthier plants due to the Vigoroot liner. The Vigoroot liner will air prune the root tips naturally encouraging a strong fibrous root system. The improved plant root system will then absorb more nutrients producing higher yields and increase resistance to harsh weather, disease and pests. With an attractive steel frame, the Vigoroot Table garden will take pride of place on your patio or decking and will give you years of use.Vigoroot Table Garden measures – 1.18m (3’10) wide x 60cm (1’11) deep x 80cm (2’7) high.
Zantedeschia –
Zantedeschia aethiopica ‘Crowborough’ (arum lily), Zantedeschia ‘Odessa’ (trumpet lily), Zantedeschia ‘Captain Romance’ (trumpet lily), Zantedeschia aethiopica (arum lily) are all available at Crocus
Zantedeschia aethiopica ‘Crowborough’ (arum lily) £11.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: humus-rich, moist soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May to June Flower colour: pure white Other features: all parts may cause stomach ache if eaten and the sap can irritate the skin Hardiness: borderline hardy (may need winter protection) Unusual, pure white hood-shaped flowers that are up to 10-15cm (4-6in) long are produced from late spring to mid-summer. It makes a striking architectural clump with lovely arrow-shaped, glossy dark green leaves. It looks great grown beside water as a marginal plant and can be left outside in most frost-prone areas if it is given a deep winter mulch. Garden care: Grow in moist soil or as a marginal plant in a basket with heavy loam soil in water 30cm (12in) deep. Mulch plants well in winter.
Zantedeschia ‘Odessa’ (trumpet lily) £6.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: humus-rich, reliably moist soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May to June Flower colour: deep plum (near-black) Other features: all parts may cause stomach ache if eaten and the sap can irritate the skin Hardiness: borderline hardy (may need winter protection) Deep plum coloured flowers, which look almost black in low light, are held on rich green stems above the clumps of lightly spotted, mid-green foliage. Its compact habit makes it a handsome specimen for pots and containers on a sunny patio. Garden care: Plant the tubers 7-10cm deep and 30cm apart into rich soil or good quality potting compost. Water sparingly until new shoots start to emerge and then start to water more regularly. Apply a deep mulch in autumn or if grown in pots, move to a sheltered spot during the winter.
Zantedeschia ‘Captain Romance’ (trumpet lily) £5.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: humus-rich, reliably moist soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May to June Flower colour: pink Other features: all parts may cause stomach ache if eaten and the sap can irritate the skin Hardiness: borderline hardy (may need winter protection) Green flushed at their base, the rich pink spathes of this beautiful arum lily surround contrasting, golden yellow spadices and will mix easily with most shades of pink, blue and purple. Originating from southern Africa where they are found colonising reliably moist soils or lake margins, these elegant perennials look beautiful in the border, but are also excellent for cutting and adding to a vase. Garden care: Plant the tubers 7-10cm deep and 30cm apart into rich soil or good quality potting compost. Water sparingly until new shoots start to emerge and then start to water more regularly. Apply a deep mulch in autumn.
Zantedeschia aethiopica (arum lily) £4.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: humus-rich, reliably moist soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May to June Flower colour: pure white Other features: all parts may cause stomach ache if eaten and the sap can irritate the skin Hardiness: borderline hardy (may need winter protection) One of the hardier forms, it is suitable for naturalising in milder climates, and may retain its foliage throughout the winter. It is however for its pure white flowers, which are produced in succession from late spring, that it is most highly prized. Garden care: Plant the tubers 7-10cm deep and 30cm apart into rich soil or good quality potting compost. Water sparingly until new shoots start to emerge and then start to water more regularly. Apply a deep mulch in autumn.
