|
|
Post by farmchix on Jan 19, 2019 11:58:35 GMT
The goal when we moved here was that I would get my chickens and Hubs would get his bees. We are working on the whole permaculture 'thing' around here. Well, I have my chickens.
Two years ago, for Christmas I got the Hubs some beekeeping books, his veil, his suit, smoker, etc. While I was traveling for work, I ordered shop plans for a cathedral hive to be delivered while I was gone. He has been too busy finishing up my shop to build his hive. So, this year for Christmas I ordered him a deep hive. His birthday is tomorrow. I ordered him two nucs and had the kids get him a beekeeping class. It is today. (Praying for traveling mercies for him as the weatherman can't decide if we are going to have a blizzard or tons of freezing rain.)
So, it looks like we are one step closer! He has been studying his books, watching YouTube videos and now an actual class. Here's praying he has a success with his bees!
Next, the aquaponics (for him). I'm still trying to convince him I need a few sheep....
|
|
|
|
Post by farmchix on Jan 20, 2019 8:46:46 GMT
He came home excited and confident! I heard about bees all night. Hard to even think about them with this snow, though. LOL
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2019 12:57:32 GMT
We love our bees.
It's our 2nd year with them.
The first year they did not make it thru the winter.
So far this year all is good.
In the back of my mind is the idea that bees are my retirement plan.
There are so many ways....
There is a gal around here and all she does sell nuks and queen and I estimate she makes around 10g.
Then there is the honey and way
|
|
|
|
Post by steveinpa on Jan 27, 2019 14:46:00 GMT
Congratulations! I find working with my bees to be extremely enjoyable and relaxing. When you are in the hive you need to move slowly, but deliberately and with purpose. I think Tai Chi may be similar.
|
|
|
|
Post by farmchix on Feb 17, 2019 11:52:45 GMT
We walked the property yesterday and have chosen some more areas to clear out and add pollinators. With the medicinals I like to grow that are also pollinators, I'm getting Hubs 'educated' on why/how/where we need to add plants. I got him a really cool book about pollinators for bees. Once he learned that the medicinal qualities of the plants transfers into his honey, he was just as excited as me.  |
|
|
|
Post by hobbitlady on Mar 11, 2019 20:30:28 GMT
farmchix , So happy for you. It really is a whole new world. Insects are unlike any other farm or pet creature. It's not just caring for them it's a Lot of observation and jumping on potential or new "problems".I've had ups and downs but loved the experience overall and "no matter what". haha. With 3 hives I've Always had at least one overwinter live for me and some years all of them. A very important prep is to start Two colonies/hives that use the same bars/frames. If one dies or absconds you can then split the other "free". Reducing the thriving hive may lessen honey that year But chances are the next year Both will do well.....providing you've done all the overwintering studies. Always remember "wet kills"...not "cold" in winter if they have food. Be certain rain or snow melt does not flow In the winter door. Where I live I had to tip mine a little forward. Well...it's "work" but fun work. Very exciting the first years. Best wishes for great success. Mites or hive beetles almost never take over the first year so everything you have studied should play out well.  BTW many books say the bees will fly 1-5 miles and not pollinate your own property. Not true for me. My fruit trees have done Much better! I'm assuming your herbals will too. The medicinals help the bees fight off their own diseases so your plantings are a great thing!
|
|
|
|
Post by farmchix on Mar 13, 2019 7:13:48 GMT
farmchix , So happy for you. It really is a whole new world. Insects are unlike any other farm or pet creature. It's not just caring for them it's a Lot of observation and jumping on potential or new "problems".I've had ups and downs but loved the experience overall and "no matter what". haha. With 3 hives I've Always had at least one overwinter live for me and some years all of them. A very important prep is to start Two colonies/hives that use the same bars/frames. If one dies or absconds you can then split the other "free". Reducing the thriving hive may lessen honey that year But chances are the next year Both will do well.....providing you've done all the overwintering studies. Always remember "wet kills"...not "cold" in winter if they have food. Be certain rain or snow melt does not flow In the winter door. Where I live I had to tip mine a little forward. Well...it's "work" but fun work. Very exciting the first years. Best wishes for great success. Mites or hive beetles almost never take over the first year so everything you have studied should play out well. BTW many books say the bees will fly 1-5 miles and not pollinate your own property. Not true for me. My fruit trees have done Much better! I'm assuming your herbals will too. The medicinals help the bees fight off their own diseases so your plantings are a great thing! We have fruit trees and lots of pollinators planted as well. He's getting pretty excited. He's been going to beekeeper meetings every month. |
|
BTW many books say the bees will fly 1-5 miles and not pollinate your own property. Not true for me. My fruit trees have done Much better! I'm assuming your herbals will too. The medicinals help the bees fight off their own diseases so your plantings are a great thing!