My grandpa was a bee-keeper for many years. By the time I had come along though, he was no longer bee-keeping. For several years, on and off, I have considered bee-keeping, I suppose, in part, due to 'wanting to be like Grandpa'. Another consideration though being, quite simply, that our family uses honey as our primary sweetener. Raw honey racks up expenses that I considered I might be able to defray by raising my own bees. (In addition, I do have plans on selling honey...though, I grant you, it probably will not be this year.)
My hive is put together and painted. I am awaiting the arrival of my bees (second week in May).
I decided to go foundationless for a most natural bee-keeping experience, though, I suppose, it may have been "wiser" to use foundation at least for my first year.
My hive is put together and painted. I am awaiting the arrival of my bees (second week in May).
I decided to go foundationless for a most natural bee-keeping experience, though, I suppose, it may have been "wiser" to use foundation at least for my first year.
I hope to be able to sustain my bees through next winter and thus expand without having to buy replacement bees. Thus then, are my long-term goals.
My short-term goals are to really learn what I am doing. I am a hands-on learner, so while I may read and get a sort of "head knowledge" as to what I will be doing, it will not be until I really get my hands into it (and hopefully not very many stingers) that I will really learn. I expect to enjoy the venture and will probably baby my bees rather the way I baby my worms. (Yes, I also grow worms--not overly successfully as of yet, but I am learning.)
I am rather excited about this new venture and hope to keep you updated as things progress!!
My short-term goals are to really learn what I am doing. I am a hands-on learner, so while I may read and get a sort of "head knowledge" as to what I will be doing, it will not be until I really get my hands into it (and hopefully not very many stingers) that I will really learn. I expect to enjoy the venture and will probably baby my bees rather the way I baby my worms. (Yes, I also grow worms--not overly successfully as of yet, but I am learning.)
I am rather excited about this new venture and hope to keep you updated as things progress!!