{"id":2023,"date":"2016-07-25T05:07:00","date_gmt":"2016-07-25T05:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=2023"},"modified":"2016-07-25T05:07:00","modified_gmt":"2016-07-25T05:07:00","slug":"how-to-tell-if-beekeeping-is-right-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/how-to-tell-if-beekeeping-is-right-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Tell If Beekeeping Is Right for You"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"beekeeping,<\/p>\n

Beekeeping! Who hasn\u2019t considered it at some point? It has exploded in popularity in the last 10 years, and it seems like everyone is giving it a try. Any why not? There\u2019s a lot to be said for keeping bees.<\/p>\n

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Firstly, they are a joy to have in the backyard. Their busy presence, the soothing white noise of their buzzing, and the smell of honey wafting a few feet from the hive are all lovely additions to a hot summer day. \u00a0Vegetable and flower gardens for miles around benefit from their presence, and those who keep bees are doing their part for the local ecosystem. Then, of course, there\u2019s the honey\u2013beautiful in the jars, delicious, wonderful for gift-giving. So should you try it? What do you need to do to become a beekeeper?<\/p>\n

Many websites and dozens of books can tell you about hive styles, smoker sizes, personal protective equipment, and every possible extracting gadget. Such things are beyond the scope of this blog. What I want to help you determine is–what factors do you need to consider to be sure that beekeeping is convenient and fits into YOUR lifestyle?<\/p>\n

\"beekeeping,<\/p>\n

Location, Location, Location<\/strong>
\nYou\u2019ll need a good location \u2013 for you and the bees! The bees aren\u2019t terribly fussy, but they will appreciate a few considerations. A spot that is protected from the north wind, has morning sun and a close water supply is ideal. Just as importantly, however, the spot needs to be good for you.<\/p>\n

Country Bees<\/strong>
\nIf you\u2019re in the country, you\u2019ll need a spot accessible by four-wheeled cart (not wheelbarrow) or vehicle. Hand-carrying everything to and from a remote location will not work. The first time you forget something in the house or have to clamber through a brushy field carrying a box full of bees, you\u2019ll discover that the nice mowed spot behind the garage was a better choice.<\/p>\n

City Bees<\/strong>
\nIf you\u2019re in an urban or suburban location, you\u2019ll want several feet of clear space all around the boxes, particularly in back. Bees enter and exit their hives from the front and accept handling from the back of the hives more readily. If you tuck the back of the hives up against the garage, you\u2019ll be working with cranky bees and you\u2019ll be \u201cin their face\u201d while doing so.<\/p>\n

The space behind the boxes should give you plenty of room to squat, lift things and turn around. Between the hives, you should have enough space to set a box. If your chosen location requires mowing, you\u2019ll need to fit your mower on all sides of the boxes.<\/p>\n

Town or country, the closer your bees are to your equipment location, the happier you will be.<\/p>\n

\"beekeeping,<\/p>\n

The Bee Workout\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>
\nSpeaking of carrying equipment, beekeeping does involve weightlifting. The amount of weight will vary, but there will be times when you\u2019re required to lift heavy boxes filled with bees and\/or drippy, sticky honey! By the end of the year, the hives can get tall, and you may have to lift heavy boxes off a five-foot stack, set them on the ground, and lift them back up again. If you can\u2019t do the lifting yourself, you\u2019ll need an assistant who can lift for you.<\/p>\n

Time Flies When You\u2019re Having Fun!<\/strong>
\nConsider that bees have been \u201ckeeping\u201d themselves for as long as they\u2019ve been around; our aim is merely to provide them with a safe, comfortable home and get out of their way. However, their housing does require maintenance, and as in other forms of gardening, the window of time to make changes is narrow. Sometimes, it\u2019s risky to wait until the weekend to harvest your tomatoes, and it can be risky to wait until the weekend to put a new box on your bees. Stall too long, and you may arrive with your new box to see your bees flying away from the old crowded one. Is your schedule flexible enough to allow you to do what\u2019s needed when it\u2019s needed?<\/p>\n

Float Like A Butterfly, (Don\u2019t) Sting Like A Bee<\/strong>
\nFinally, in the matter of protective equipment, wear what makes you comfortable. As a beginner, you may find that \u201cmore is better.\u201d A full bee suit is expensive and hot, but if wearing it lets you work among the bees confidently and efficiently, then invest and wear it with pride. Conversely, if you find yourself putting off going out to the bees because you think getting \u201csuited up\u201d is a hassle, throw on a pair of jeans and a veiled jacket and call it good.<\/p>\n

\"beekeeping,<\/p>\n

Many websites, books, and classes exist to tell you how and why to keep bees \u2013 and they make compelling arguments! Just don\u2019t forget to consider the reality of what beekeeping will mean for you. Take steps to ensure it\u2019s comfortable, convenient and safe not only for the bees\u00a0but for the beekeeper! And when you\u2019re ready, set up and dive in. Happy beekeeping!<\/p>\n

\"Jeff<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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