By now, you\u2019ve probably heard the buzz\u2026 September is National Honey Month! So what better time to dabble in the sweet world of beekeeping?!<\/p>\n
This unique hobby proves rewarding on a number of levels\u00a0\u2014 from communing with the great outdoors and honing a timeless trade, to resourcefully replenishing a sweet condiment in one\u2019s own cupboards, or even exploring the possibility of a honey bee business venture.<\/p>\n
Wondering whether or not you may have a calling in beekeeping?<\/p>\n
1. Who can be a backyard beekeeper? These are pretty loaded questions, so let\u2019s take \u2019em one at a time. First things first\u2026<\/p>\n The ideal beekeeping candidate depends on a number of factors \u2013 most of which actually rely more on natural circumstances than anything else. (Of course, a healthy curiosity and genuine desire to mingle with the bee business does help as well.) Climate and landscape are two biggies when it comes to where honey bees are most successfully housed. Climate-wise, bees can thrive in nearly any geographical area that produces flowers\u2026 check<\/em>.<\/p>\n (And not to worry, they know how the winter game goes, so they\u2019ll hunker down, safe and sound, over the span of any chilly months\u2026 check, check<\/em>).<\/p>\n When it comes to landscape, a common misconception is that only folks living out in \u201cthe sticks\u201d (with neighbors much further than a stone\u2019s throw away) are able to enjoy beekeeping. In reality, many urban dwellers (even in the thick of a major metropolis) safely nurture honey bees via areas like rooftops and community gardens.<\/p>\n Eager beekeepers beware! Got your attention? Good. Don\u2019t worry \u2014 this isn\u2019t anything too<\/em> daunting, just a friendly heads-up.<\/p>\n Uncle Sam (or his cousins \u2014 e.g., city\/town council, etc.) may have a say in how some beekeeping is done. That is, certain rules may be enforced (especially depending on where you live), in order to ensure beekeeping activities are kept fun, safe and comfortable for all. For instance, some ordinances may require an 8-foot fence to frame the beekeeping area, forcing bees to fly high overhead when venturing off to scout out their pollen sources, thereby avoiding the risk of being a nuisance to immediate neighbors.<\/p>\n That said, it\u2019s wise to scope out zoning restrictions, neighborhood HOA rules and so forth in your neck o\u2019 the woods, before running to Home Depot to splurge on apiary supplies for your would-be colony\u2019s home sweet home.<\/p>\n And one last thing\u2026 it\u2019s always nice to be neighborly! If you\u2019re questioning whether or not the fella next door will be down with your hive, just ask! Explain the low risk of stings and how honey bees tend to do their own thing\u00a0\u2014 then maybe sweeten the deal a bit with the offer of free honey.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n And last but not least, when it comes to who can pull off being a backyard beekeeper, a certain amount of personality does<\/em> come into play with the honey bee game. A little bit of authentic interest in the secret life of bees certainly goes a long way. However, the best beekeepers also appreciate spending time outside, as well as the light manual labor that comes with maintaining the bees and hive(s) throughout the year.<\/p>\n As with any new hobby, it\u2019s natural to have a few reservations about engaging with bees on a more interactive level \u2014 beyond a simple wrist-flick swat or shoo. But it\u2019s a pretty safe bet that folks who are less skittish around these striped, flying sensations will be find the most enjoyment in their beekeeping roles.<\/p>\n (Does a severe allergy to bee stings make you wary of being around these zippity-doo-dah honey-helpers? If so, that\u2019s a very<\/em> large and in-charge factor you should carefully consider. Always<\/em> put your health before a hobby!)<\/p>\n If you\u2019re on the fence about your comfort level, get your feet wet with a trial run first \u2014 before investing in any honey-making homies. Local bee farms, colleges and universities often offer hands-on tutorials to the public, allowing for exploration of how to raise bees \u2014 ranging from half-day experiences to full series of classes. (Helpful honey-lovin\u2019 hint: A quick internet search should be able to locate a local bee farm for you. Alternatively, your local Chamber of Commerce is should also have some info handy to pass along.)<\/p>\n Check back with us soon \u2014 the next buzz will be all about beekeeping supplies that are absolute essentials<\/strong><\/a>, should you give this new honey-harvesting hobby a go!<\/p>\n
\n2. What beekeeping supplies are essential?
\n3. What is the cost of beekeeping<\/a>?
\n4. Who\u2019s who in the world of hives and honey?
\n5. Will a beekeeping hobby be for fun<\/em> or for funds<\/em>?<\/p>\nWho can be a backyard beekeeper?<\/em>
\n<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\nBeekeeping Location, Location, Location!<\/strong><\/h2>\nRuling the Beekeepers\u2019 Roost<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The Beekeeping Whisperer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Think you fit the beekeeping bill so far?<\/strong><\/h2>\n