Backyard beekeeping has become a surprisingly popular hobby. The desire to help the honey bee population recover from the catastrophic effects of pesticide use and disease has no doubt played a part in the growing interest in apiculture. So has the uptick in restoring more self-sustaining ways of life such as organic gardening and using green energy technologies.
Once the hives are established, beekeeping is easier than you might think. A minimum amount of work can result in gallons of pure, natural honey and wax to use, share with friends or start your own cottage industry. Though it’s not complicated, successful beekeeping does require some research, commitment of time and perhaps a mentor to help get you started. Follow these 10 tips to make sure your apiary adventure gets off to a sweet start:
1. Do your homework. Read books about beekeeping, and talk to an apiarist if you can. Find a local apiary group and join. There you can find mentors and the hands-on information you need to care for bees. It’s best to have a clear understanding of what goes on in a bee hive, how honey is made and how it’s extracted before purchasing your first piece of equipment.
2. Make sure beekeeping is legal where you live. City or County regulations may prevent beekeeping within certain neighborhoods or zones. Infractions can result in high fines and even the destruction of your hive and equipment. Don’t take a chance, know the laws in your area and follow them.
3. Don’t count your honey before it’s made. If your plan is to pay for your initial set-up costs by selling honey in a few months, you may need a plan bee. It can often take more than a full year for a hive to produce enough excess honey to market. Beekeeping is a long-term commitment, not a get-rich-quick scheme.
4. Start with the basics. You can spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars on high-end, hand-crafted, innovative beekeeping equipment, but that isn’t always the best or easiest way to start. Brand new, simple-to-use gear will provide a solid foundation for any beginner. The list of must-haves is short: Bees, hives, protective gear and a smoker. If you fall in love with apiculture and feel confident it’s a hobby that will keep your interest for many years, you can upgrade as your hive grows.
Keeping bees sounds like a sweet adventure, and in many ways it is. But it takes work, time and money to keep a healthy hive. Even when you do everything right, things can go wrong. But with preparation, knowledge and support you may find beekeeping is definitely worth all the buzz!
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