Last Year I Started Beekeeping - So Exciting

[madamwlf]

Ok.

Do they charge you?

No charge at all.

 

[madamwlf]

So I find myself rather hooked on bees.  I have a question now.  Next year when I have to re-register my bees, I'm looking to possibly do swarms.  So, realistically how many hives are good for an acre of land?  The neighbors don't mind the bees, actually they were thrilled we were getting them.  I want to add at least one more hive next year if not a few more.

Anyone?

 

[sgtmom52]

So I find myself rather hooked on bees. I have a question now. Next year when I have to re-register my bees, I'm looking to possibly do swarms. So, realistically how many hives are good for an acre of land? The neighbors don't mind the bees, actually they were thrilled we were getting them. I want to add at least one more hive next year if not a few more.

It really depends on the area in which your bee yard is located. You need to look at what forage is available in a 2 to 3 mile radius of your hives. Heavily wooded areas do not have as much forage as open meadows. Some urban areas have a lot of forage available. You also should make sure that your bees have a water supply on your property to try to avoid them visiting the neighbors kiddie pools.

 

[madamwlf]

We are out in farm land. Everywhere you look there are open fields and wild flowers. People have beautiful flower gardens planted as well. I have thought about taking a portion of my property and laying wild flower seeds. I would like to find some that are attractive to honey bees and look nice. If I put in more hives I would definitely put in a few more bird baths.

 

[madamwlf]

I put the second hive box on the second bee hive. They had 2 frames left to draw out. Saw the queen too. First hive is working on the second hive box so that's good.

 

[Blarneyeggs]

We are supposed to get our nuc tomorrow morning. The beekeeper called for directions, so I'll take that as a positive sign. Woo hoo!

 

[sgtmom52]

We are out in farm land. Everywhere you look there are open fields and wild flowers. People have beautiful flower gardens planted as well. I have thought about taking a portion of my property and laying wild flower seeds. I would like to find some that are attractive to honey bees and look nice. If I put in more hives I would definitely put in a few more bird baths.

With that type of setting, it sounds like you could have pretty many hives there.
Many of the bulk seed companies (on line) have a honey bee or pollinator wildflower seed mix that you can buy in bulk. Our Beekeeping club bought some and resold them as a fund raiser.

 

[sgtmom52]

We are supposed to get our nuc tomorrow morning. The beekeeper called for directions, so I'll take that as a positive sign. Woo hoo!

That is GREAT!

Yesterday I delivered a nuc that I had split from one of my hives. I gave it to some new beekeepers that are just starting out. We try to give away a couple of swarms or splits to new beekeepers each year to "pay back" for when we were given our first bees when we started beekeeping. I love seeing how excited new beekeepers are when they finally get their bees!

 

[Happy Chooks]

You could plant lavender - bees love it!

We are out of town for the weekend, but I'm excited to get back and check on the bees again. And hopefully add the 2nd hive body.

 

[Blarneyeggs]

Nuc delivered! So we now have 2 hives, 1 nuc, 1 split. Woo hoo!! DH built a platform for the hives last night as we have 2 now and the first was kind of rickety balanced on just 2 cinder blocks. Now if I could just figure out how to get him to build me a brood space for my broody hen.