Keeping Your Band of Bees Happy
Beekeeping is a hobby that can be carried out even with a very small garden area. It's a wonderful way to feel connected to nature even when you live in an urban area. You might want to clear your hobby with neighbors first; it might be a little startling for them to find a band of bees in your garden one morning.
There are a few things you should know and have on hand before you start beekeeping to keep your band of bees happy. It will take some time for you to master the art but once you have you will find that it is an enjoyable hobby that can even be profitable.
Gear
The protective gear that all beekeepers wear is essential to not getting stung. Although over time you will find that beekeeping does not mean continually bee stings. You should not wear wool, as the bees will stick easily to your clothes. You should also wear white coveralls or other light colored clothes. There should be no spaces for bees to crawl into, so rubber band the sleeves of your clothes and tuck your pant legs into your socks.
The veils that are stereotypical of beekeepers are also recommended when tending to your band of bees. If you have been stung before then don't wear the clothes you were wearing again until they have been washed. There is pheromone that bees release after stinging and they will perceive you as a threat that needs to be stung again.
Buying Bees
You can now easily buy a band of bees from a beekeeper in your area. The advantage of procuring a band of bees this way is that you will be able to get a hive as well. Another way is to order a nucleus of bees. The third option is to capture a wild swarm. This can be tricky but is not that difficult. If you have never handled bees before then ordering specific bees is probably the best way to get started.
Spring Work
Your bees can survive a winter but you may find that they lack enough food in the spring. If there are not enough flowers in bloom in the spring then you need to provide it for your bees. You can do this by leaving out sugar or honey syrup. Pollen or pollen substitute is also important to keep your bee colony healthy and happy. This will ensure that you can harvest plenty of honey in the summer.
