A year ago, I mentioned to my husband that I might be
interested in keeping bees. Robert
attempted raising bees when we lived on our family farm using the top bar method.
In the beginning things went well, then later we discovered our hive placement was not the best. As a result, some of our bees died and the rest swarmed and move on.
It was a bit of a letdown withs lesson learned because there is a lot to know about honeybees. First being it takes commitment; I also believe it takes understanding how they navigate in nature and inside the hive.
Since then, I have been wanting to try again so when I mentioned raising bees to my husband, he was not surprised. In fact, he was very encouraging and said, “I will help any way that I can.”
This time around I want to make sure my plans are carefully thought out. I also wanted a clear understanding of what to expect because I was not sure if the Top Bar beekeeping method was how I would proceed.
My first goal was to read and that is part of what I have been doing this past summer.
The first book I dove into was informative and if being honest, it was a boring read. There was no enthusiasm in the writing and where the information was helpful the author was pushing the Langstroth beehive.
By the end of that book, I realized that I wanted to move forward as natural as possible. So, my planning took another turn back towards the top bar beehive.
The Thinking Beekeeper
I ordered a second book, The Thinking Beekeeper by Christy Hemenway. I barely made it through the first chapter feeling like I had found my path.In the beginning chapter, How Did we Get Here from There? She mentions that humankinds’ interaction with bees spans many thousands of years. But the relationship has not always been as one sided as it is today.
We tried to domesticate the honeybee and as a result there are multiple ways to house bees but only one that replicates nature. This takes me back to when I started raising quail on the ground.
I find when you do things in a way that works with nature instead of against the results are always better. Less human I guess and more nature please.
Christy Hemenway is detailed in her thought process. She is quick to explain how our historical actions from war to mass agriculture, let's not forget advanced pesticides, GMO and our broken food system have all had a negative impact on the honeybee population.
I can see both sides of these issues but for me I am a stickler for what is best for nature. Many times, we forget to look at the long-term impact of what we are doing in the present.
I live on a property that has a natural
eco system; my goal is to keep it that way.
I connected with this second book because it was focused, and this author is very knowledgeable but also cares about the bee population. She knows her topic and more importantly she has years of "hands-on" experience.
The Getting Started Process
I must say that the process of getting started with beekeeping is overwhelming and at times a little intimidating. But now that I have this wonderful resource,
I am confident that I can do this and be successful.
I highly recommend, The Thinking Beekeeper book for anyone considering raising bees. She covers everything including how to maintain a hive and if you are not convinced then I have also included her Ted Talk video, it is a quick listen and good.
For me getting started has already begun, I am learning and understanding what it will take to establish and maintain top bar beehives. My plan is to keep reading because she has a second book and I will use them both as I continue to grow with this journey.
My Next Steps Include:
- Selecting where I will place my top bar hives.
- Clearing that area so it is easy to reach.
- Build 5 hives over the winter.
- Order my bees for three hives in January.
- Plan my spring and fall garden so we have a good food source in addition to what our land provides.
- Plant fruit trees and berries.
- Acquire all the necessary equipment prior to the bees arriving.
Most of my “next steps” will require assistance from her first book because she explains everything beautifully, so it is reachable. I will keep you posted on my
journey as things unfold.
As for Improving the bee’s food supply on our land that is something I enjoy doing as a seasoned gardener. Additional beds will be installed, fruit trees and berries will also be planted and more flowers.
I am excited and still a tad intimidated but I strongly believe
once I've built that first top bar hive things will click and that intimidation
will turn into confidence and excitement.
Just knowing this effort will benefit our current eco system, be good for the honeybees in addition to harvesting honey that all warms my heart with a smile. Who knows maybe some of your reading will join me and help improve the honeybee population where you live.
Be the good,
Carole
Christy's books: The Thinking Beekeeper & Advanced Top Bar Bee Keeping
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