What grain flowers do bees like?

April 28, 2009

We have a plot about 42 feet by 33 feet that seems to be ground that is poor. While researching this winter to see what grain we could raise on it, I came across buckwheat. It likes cool, moist climates and cold areas..that is our region. It is also a good grain for poor soil and in soil that is clods from breaking up a pasture. It is a member of the knotweed family and grows about 3 feet high and have heart-shaped leaves. It is exceptionally nutritious. The pioneer woman who routinely sent their families out for a day of scho0l or work on a start of buckwheat pancakes were indeed giving them the best possible start for a hard day's work.

It is also valuable for beekeepers because it bears abundant white flowers starting about 4 weeks after planting. The plants will continue to bloom until killed by frost, still flowering when most other pollen sources are failing. Buckwheat -blossom honey...dark-colored and richly flavored..is considered a delicacy and can be bottled and sold as a specialty. Buckwheat is rich in rutin, a substance that controls certain types of hemmorrhaging.

The honey part sold me. I am always looking for sources of food for my bees and this will provide for them late in the fall plus I get all that wonderful honey!! Also chickens love this grain. This is a win win.

Buckwheat overnight yeast pancakes. Dissolve 1 t. dry yeast in a little warm water. Add 1 t. sugar, enough lukewarm water to measure 4 cups, 1/2 t. salt, and enough buckwheat flour to make a thin batter. (about 3 1/2 cups) Let it work overnight. In the morning add 2 T. molasses. Stir it down, pour onto griddle in dollar-size pancake dollops, and cook.

We decided not to broadcast this grain but to plant in rows. The rows are 15 inches apart and the seed is about 1 inche apart in the rows. We should get about one bushel if we decide to harvest it.