'Bout a 100 - Sideline Beekeeping: FACING THE CHALLENGES OF SIDELINE BEEKEEPING - HONEY

摘要

Two issues back I listed 10 challenges facing midsized beekeepers in the United States. We have discussed queen problems and bee forageutrition. Next on my list of challenges facing sideline beekeepers is the subject of Honey: Having too much or toolittle. I am never sure what the motivations are when someone starts with their first hive of bees. Newbees frequently talk about a lot of things - from pollinating the garden to having fresh honey for the table. Some not-yet-beekeepers tell me they want to get bees because they own some property and want to have bees there. An old friend wants me to put bees 'back' into an old bee tree just like his father had. I had to explain that is I not as easy or as legal as may seem. He just wanted to watch thebees fly in and out of the old maple while he trimmed the hedge, I guess. Other new beekeepers point to their flock of children and say that they want to raise the kids on honey instead of sugar. These folks are usually passionate about becoming beekeepers and producing a lot of honey. Frequently the older children are helping with the bees, which is an excellent idea.