Celebrate the culture of agriculture & share skills (Growing! Cooking! Eating!)

Beekeeping

I am interested in starting a hive and looking for any information on the do's and don'ts. I was always told that eating local honey could help your allergy symptoms and since there's nothing more local than you own backyard, it seems like a great idea!

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Permalink Reply by ToddB on November 21, 2008 at 9:59am

I would talk to a local honey supplier and see if they would put a hive on your property. I know in my area they are more than willing to do this, and then teach you all about it.

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Dukarski on November 21, 2008 at 10:10am

That is a Great idea! Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Torry on November 22, 2008 at 1:17pm

In NC we have the Cooperative Extension Service, which aids small farmers and DIYers with all kindsa home projects. They have recently promoted home beekeeping in response to the decline of the honeybee. They offer tips and tricks, also part of the year free hives and equipment. Does MA have anything similar? If so, they'd be a great source.
T

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Dukarski on November 23, 2008 at 12:08pm

I will definitely check into it. I'm not sure if MA has a program like that set up but it's worth a shot! Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Pat on November 23, 2008 at 3:14pm

Look for the local beekeeping club. They sometimes have classes to help and will offer mentoring. There is a club in every state, so check that out. It really helps if you have someone to call who knows bees.

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Permalink Reply by mary on December 9, 2008 at 7:48pm

Ive just started working on a small farm with bees - Ill check it out next week and let you know!

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Permalink Reply by Lia Huber on January 7, 2009 at 1:13am

I read a great article in Gourmet last summer about beekeeping -- it might be up on Epicurious or gourmet.com? More narrative--really well written--on growing up with beekeepers and then becoming one himself than hard and fast help. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Dukarski on January 7, 2009 at 11:47am

Thanks everybody! This is all good stuff!

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Permalink Reply by Jacqueline Church on January 10, 2009 at 12:57am

My friend Julia Rutland on Facebook is an apiarist (I think that's what beekeepers are called.) Check her page out and see if she has any tips - maybe a good resource or a book..?

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Dukarski on February 9, 2009 at 1:00pm

Thanks for all the info! I've signed up for beekeeping classes through a local bee association and have been reading like a maniac. I've also ordered bees from a local apiary and they are scheduled to arrive in the spring. For some reason I was unable to find a local source to set me up with hives. Regardless, it looks like things are off to a good start!