Bees

Anyone here keep bees on their plot/garden? Was down on the plot this afternoon when my friend who keeps bees down there was doing his inspections.

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jan Willetts on October 30, 2010 at 19:01

Hi Rob
lovely picture, wonder why his mouth is open, maybe he just got stung? I am too scared to keep bees, but they are fascinating. Our local orchard group in Northants keeps bees and there is a noticeable difference in pollination levels where they site the bees, with vastly improved crops.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sarah Rideout on October 31, 2010 at 15:03

Hi, have been looking at getting a Top bar type which the bees are apparently happier in as they can make the combs in a more natural way, but it doesn't give as much honey. it can have a viewing panel on it which would be good for our (community growing) project. Top bars seem to be a bit contentious though amongst some beekeepers...
I'm dragging my heels until I can find someone willing to be a bee apprentice to a friend who has kindly offered to mentor to get us going. Went to a talk by a local honey keeper the other day which was useful; made me realise the cost of all the 'extra's' that its a good idea to have (protective clothing etc) on top of the cost of the hive, which would be around £180 - £200 so a bit of an investment.

Have had some success providing habitat for solitary bees, we get a lot of different types, all good for pollinating.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Rob Duffin on October 31, 2010 at 23:18

I think we were mid-conversation Jan. He did get stung shortly after when he examined the 'angry' hive! I've never been a big fan of buzzing things but I was only a couple of metres away from these with no protection on. I was further away than than when we got to the 'angry' hive though - he was given that one and thinks they probaby have no queen in there, but didn't get that far before abandoning that inspection!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Karen O'Donoghue on November 3, 2010 at 22:09

Hi
I am thinking of keeping bees next year. My main concern was- do bees and small children go together? After talking to an experienced bee keeper and doing a bit of research it turns out the bees shouldn't be bothered by my little darlings. Noise isn't a massive problem but the hive being banged may cause upset. I will keep the hive in the chicken run so the children wont be able to get to it.
Bees are so important but totally overlooked. I find them fascinating!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kathy Doyle on November 4, 2010 at 0:12

I've been keeping bees for four or five years now. It's a fascinating hobby and this year I had a bumper crop of honey after last year having none. Quite a learning curve at the start though. i keep my bees in the veg garden and in the chicken run. I've also had a bumper crop of fruit this year, don't know if that's due to the bees or just the weather.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Louisa @ The Really Good Life on November 19, 2010 at 14:31

I would like bees but every bee keeper I've spoken to say that you really should go on a course first, and that's easier said than done around here -- they all fill up instantly. I'll get on one eventually!

As well as a steep learning curve, I've heard there is a high set up cost too - I guess while I'm waiting to go on a course, I can keep my eye out for bargain gear...

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jan Willetts on November 20, 2010 at 0:21

Hi louisa
I know someone who found it cheaper to do everything by joining the beekeepers association, set up costs were reduced and you can get training and a mentor too. Don't know if this is nationwide or just a local thing but might be worth investigating.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Stephen Shirley on November 27, 2010 at 10:05

I think like others have said here, a bee keeping course is the best way forward. I know Paul Peacock at http://www.citycottage.co.uk/City_Cottage_From_Diana_and_Paul_Peaco... runs courses - and has written a book or two on the subject.

We approached a bee keeper at a smallholder show and asked if he knew of anyone looking for land to keep some hives on - it turned out he wanted to expand his hives and so next year he will be putting four hives here on the nursery (in a Landshare sort of way).

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Louisa @ The Really Good Life on December 1, 2010 at 21:55

Hi Jan, your reply didn't show up in my feed for some reason so I've only just seen this message.

Yes, I've heard that about associations too - make it a lot cheaper - but their courses are the ones that fill up instantly so it's hard to get started with them. I've got a friend who already has bees who could be a mentor once I'm up and running but he doesn't consider himself to be knowledgeable enough to be a substitute for a course. I'll find a course eventually!