Summer has arrived and the homestead is filled with miracles and madness. Sarah and Will respond to a listener letter about scything and sheet composing/lasagna gardening, explaining the ins and outs of their turf management. They next discuss the apiary and their friend Walt who does moonlight beekeeping. A miracle queen was born. A simpler method of beekeeping, the keeping of mason/orchard/leafcutter bees is discussed as well. Next, Will tells a long-winded story about how tough he had it with Sarah away. Chicken madness, snakes living in the house, and sleeping outside to protect their miracle momma Mayapple and her chicks all figure heavily into the drama. Next, Sarah and Will discuss the upper respiratory disease the chickens experienced and how they managed to get the flock through the worst of it.The edible landscape really has started to pay dividends, with berries galore, as well as peas, greens, and other goods for consumption and preservation. On the homestead, Will breaks his bow, they discuss building new steps in the yard, and the happiness of sharing food with others. Finally, Sarah gives an update on the menacing Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species now showing up en masse on the homestead.Notes:MENTIONED ITEMS IN THE PODCAST:"Let it Rot" by Stu Campbell, 1975Walt at Swarmbustin' Honey, https://www.911honey.com/"Mason bees in the home garden," Penn State Extension https://extension.psu.edu/mason-bees-in-the-home-garden"Black and Decker Complete Guide to Patios - 3rd Edition - A DIY Guide to Building Patios, Walkways, and Outdoor Steps", February 2010Spotted Lanternfly at Penn State Extension, https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternflySatoyama Homestead Gardening outside the lines.satoyamahs.org | [email protected] | 484-247-GROW (4769)TAGS#podcast#satoyama homestead#scythe#compost#composting#bee hotel#gardening#gardeners#landscaping#mason bee#mason bees#orchard#berries#strawberry#blackberry#raspberry#spotted Lanternfly#homesteading#permaculture#beekeeping#honey bees#apiculture#fire#wood stove#apiculture#backyard chickens#chickens#chicks#broody#rooster#edible landscape#gardening#gardeners#spring#weather#homestead