I have been thinking of keeping bees for a long time, but just didn't get around to it, partly because I know nothing about it, except I love bees, but also the expense. Its not a cheap interest! However during the last hot gorgeous summer with bees a-buzzing around the garden and the media coverage about the decline of honey bees I decided that I would take the plunge. My brother-in-law, an apiarist of over thirty years experience encouraged me. I was going to order my hive over the winter, something to think about during lockdown 2! However he generously -presented me with ,a wbc hive on my birthday, what excitement now I really had a start! The hive is just a shell, so far.
Over the next few months I read some books and articles, including Hayes Beekeeping Manual, yes really! Also a wonderful little book written in 1940, 'Honey from your Garden' by Walter Brett. This was written to encourage beekeeping in the war to help off set the problem of sugar shortage. The former book has lovely clear descriptions, photographs and diagrams, it is quite technical and can be a bit daunting, the latter no such frills. However the old book is so enthusiastic, easy to read and understand; clearly wanting everyone to keep a few bees in the general war effort. Worked for me anyway, it feels pretty much like a war at the moment!
To date I have just taken delivery of all the innards of my hive in a giant box. This is currently in our shed waiting for a warmer day or two before unwrapping all the little bits of wood and figuring out how to make them into frames, supers and all the other components. I have just ordered my second flat pack hive and THE BEES! The latter will arrive in May/June, plenty of time for more reading and who knows I might even be able to visit the local bee keepers association apiary before then, restrictions permitting.
Over the next few months I read some books and articles, including Hayes Beekeeping Manual, yes really! Also a wonderful little book written in 1940, 'Honey from your Garden' by Walter Brett. This was written to encourage beekeeping in the war to help off set the problem of sugar shortage. The former book has lovely clear descriptions, photographs and diagrams, it is quite technical and can be a bit daunting, the latter no such frills. However the old book is so enthusiastic, easy to read and understand; clearly wanting everyone to keep a few bees in the general war effort. Worked for me anyway, it feels pretty much like a war at the moment!
To date I have just taken delivery of all the innards of my hive in a giant box. This is currently in our shed waiting for a warmer day or two before unwrapping all the little bits of wood and figuring out how to make them into frames, supers and all the other components. I have just ordered my second flat pack hive and THE BEES! The latter will arrive in May/June, plenty of time for more reading and who knows I might even be able to visit the local bee keepers association apiary before then, restrictions permitting.