Written by bees@hayesvalleyfarm.com | 22 January 2012

In partnership with Hayes Valley Farm, San Francisco Bee-Cause offers Honey Beekeeping Essentials.

This series of classes is designed to provide aspiring and new beekeepers with the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary for responsible and successful honey beekeeping in the urban environment. Instructors will provide a personal, in-depth approach designed to give students a confident start to properly managing a colony of apis mellifera through all lifecycle events, and to use non-chemical methods of beekeeping aimed at colony health.

We also will conduct beekeeping agri-tourist events, inclusive of a hive inspection session, for special groups by arrangement.

For more information about Honey Beekeeping Classes, contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Photo by Zoey Kroll

The Urban Beekeeper’s Primer

Everything you want to consider before starting to keep honey bees in an urban environment – legalities; responsibilities to the bees, yourself, your household and neighbors; personal protective equipment, beekeeping tools and hive equipment options; options for getting bees; time commitment and costs, and sources for learning and continuing beekeeping education.

When: Saturday, February 4, 2012; 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Cost: $35. Register now.

Where: Recology Golden Gate, 900 Seventh Street, San Francisco

Beekeeping is applied honey bee biology. Knowing basic honey bee and colony biology is essential for the beekeeper to work with, rather than against, the bees’ natural inclinations as they change throughout the seasons, and to be able to recognize when the sustainability of the colony is at risk.

When: Saturday, March 10, 2012; 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Cost: $35. Register now.

Where: Recology Golden Gate, 900 Seventh Street, San Francisco

Written by Meredith Buck | 11 January 2012

Visitors and volunteers often ask me about San Francisco’s winter, and what that means for our weekly crop production. Most want to know what happens after the autumn harvest winds down, but many are unaware of the boost given to leafy greens in the city’s cooler, rainy months. Brassicas like mustard and cabbage thrive in San Francisco’s Mediterranean climate from November through March, when the ground stays moist and the air is crisp.

Take advantage and grow your own - on your balcony or in your back yard! This year, as part of our second anniversary Seasonal Plant Sale, we are offering a buffet of worthy salad greens, kale, broccoli, mizuna, kohlrabi, collard greens, and bok choy, as well as parsley, scallions, and chives - all for your year-round urban garden. Swing by Hayes Valley Farm on January 22 to pick up your browse our selection of garden starts, all available for purchase during our one day sale - and kick start your kitchen at the same time! Be sure to come early for the best selection! 

And not a second too late! While these hardy plants love the winter time, many of us would rather bundle up. I love days when I can keep a warm pot of soup around, steeping over the lowest flame. It’s such an easy - yet satisfying - meal, and just about anything goes when it comes to ingredients. Just today I threw together a hearty minestrone with kale and chives, and next I plan to cook up a miso soup with farm fresh bok choy and scallions. Nothing like super nutritious, “hyper-local” greens to keep you warm and healthy this season! 

Photo by Cyndie Hoffman

Written by Natasha Zuhur | 26 December 2011

Prior to leaving the city for the holiday weekend, I received an early Christmas present: a hanging herb garden made out of a re-purposed fruit basket. The unexceptional – but handy – fruit basket had recently been taken out of commission by a roommate with one exceptionally bountiful supply of bananas. Someone had picked up on my wistful glances.

Written by editor | 24 December 2011

Hayes Valley Farm is open on Sunday, December 25. Enjoy the farm's winter beauty!

Written by editor | 20 December 2011

Hayes Valley Farm welcomes visitors and volunteers Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday 12pm-5pm. Explore nature in the city, plant seedlings, take pictures, and get a workout turning compost. Hayes Valley Farm is located at 450 Laguna Street between Oak and Fell Street in San Francisco.