If you have been looking for an interesting hobby that will get you outside and also produce tangible results, you should consider beekeeping. While this hobby can be very rewarding and produce wonderful benefits for you and your community, there are a few things that you need to understand before you can start wearing a beekeeper hat and buy a bee colony.
In order to have a successful hive that produces organic honey for you while also pollinating the plants in your area, you need to know the beekeeping basics. Once you you have a good understanding of beekeeping for beginners, you will be ready to start producing honey in no time.
Know Beekeeping Rules and Regulations
Before you can start setting up beekeeping equipment and wearing a beekeeper hat, you need to understand the rules and regulations that apply to beekeeping in your area. Some neighborhoods have a homeowner’s association which may require permission to be granted or for paperwork to be filled out before you can set up your beekeeping hives.
It is important that you take care of these requirements before you purchase the bee colony, as you wouldn’t want to spend all of the time and money required to get your bees settled in only to be told that you have to move them. While it’s fine to get your beekeeper hat and beekeeping gloves at any time, you should wait on buying some of the other beekeeping tools until you have gone over the beekeeping rules near you.
Learn About the Bees You’re Keeping
In order to properly prepare for the bees that you will be looking after, it is important that you do the necessary research about them beforehand. This will help you find the best bees for your climate and area. By understanding the type of bee that naturally lives in your area, your bees will have a better chance of surviving.
Your research will also help you learn about the bees’ habits and when you can expect to see honey. For example, the average honey bee can produce one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime. Knowing about your bees before you get them will help you be a better beekeeper because you will have a good deal of background information on them.
Connect with Other Beekeepers
Another way to help you prepare for your bees is to get connected to other beekeepers, either those in your area or ones online. Having connections in the beekeeping community can help you get used beekeeping supplies, tips on the best type of beekeeper hat, or what to expect in your first few months of beekeeping.
As these are people who have been in your place as a beginning beekeeper before, they are a valuable source of information and experience. These connections can teach you different uses for your honey, such as making honey candy and honeystix, or even share the best places to sell your organic bee pollen. No matter what your questions are, there is sure to be someone who has experienced that can help you.
Time to Start Building Your Hive
Once you have done all of the proper research regarding the rules and regulations of beekeeping in your area, the types of bees you should keep, and getting connected with other beekeepers, it is finally time to buy your bees and build your hive. As long as you remember your beekeeper hat and all of the knowledge that you have been gathering, you are sure to have an enjoyable and successful time beekeeping.
