| Author |
Barnyard Buddies:  beekeeping season?  |
|
|
brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 26 2009 : 10:45:28 AM
|
Does anyone keep bees? I have been thinking of starting a beehive for a few years but I'm not sure what time of year to get started - what is the appropriate "season" to order equipment, etc.? Can you start with just one hive, or do you need more? When do you order the queen? Or is it better to get started with a swarm from an exterminator?
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
|
|
Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Dec 27 2009 : 2:35:49 PM
|
Hey Brenda...I've worked with bees for awhile now...here's my two cents, I'm sure the other "bee girls" will chime in, too :)
Actually, NOW isn't too early to start looking around for bee equipment and especially package bees. Last year I distinctly remember alot of people lamenting that all of the the reputable "beemen" were out of bees! ALL of them. Seems like people want to keep bees more and more, maybe for their own honey, or to help the environment, etc.
I would HIGHLY recommend getting package bees and NOT a swarm. You have no idea what sort of bees are in the swarm, whether they are manageable or are really feral (apt to sting or attack more readily) and how healthy those swarm bees are. Package bees are young bees (order the 3 lb instead of the 2 lb, it gives you a head start on workers who will be able to forage outside and gather nectar) and they come with a queen. Because they come with a reputable bee keeper, or should, you have a right to ask whether they are healthy. You can do this by asking for a copy of a state health certificate; all reputable beekeepers are required by each state to have their hives inspected by a state apiarist for healthiness.
You will need one base hive with 10 frames and hive stand, a bee suit with hat and veil for protection, smoker, and bee tool to begin with. This tends to run about $100 - $300 depending on where you order from. I like Dadant or BetterBee, but you can look around online and find some good equipment vendors.
Bee season starts as soon as temperatures are above 50 degrees. However, you should order now as the distributors sell out. Since Ohio is sort of on the same latitude as New York, I would say your season probably safely starts around March, end of March.
By the way, I'll be doing a lesson on beekeeping on Renegade Farmer radio show in February, I'll keep you posted :)
Good luck!
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
View My Work:
art/dolls: www.wildatheartart.blogspot.com
Renegade Farming!: www.the-renegade-farmer.blogspot.com
Radio Show!: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/therenegadefarmer
www.bigtownfarmer.com
|
 |
|
|
Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
|
|
magnoliakathy
True Blue Farmgirl
453 Posts
Kathryn
Magnolia
Texas
USA
453 Posts |
Posted - Jan 02 2010 : 06:49:17 AM
|
Read, read read, join your local county/state bee keeping group and ask lots of questions. Select your site, order your equipment, order your bees now, get your hives set up, Warm weath will be here before you know it and you need to be ready. We just fed our bees last week, some bee candy and will be putting the ApiGuard strips in, cleaning and refill the small hive beetle traps, and rotating frames this coming week. There is peace sitting in the winter sun, watching the girls going about their "bee business", dreaming of the honey to come.
When you free your mind your heart can fly. Farmgirl # 714, |
|
|
| |
Barnyard Buddies: beekeeping season? |
|
|
|
beekeeping season?
