I'm diving headfirst into the world of beekeeping! If you've ever wondered about starting an apiary from scratch, come along on this journey with me. I'm sharing everything from my prep work to the actual setup, so whether you're a bee enthusiast or just curious, there's something here for you! I’m here to share every step, stumble, and success along the way.
As you probably know, bees are crucial for our environment! They’re the unsung heroes of our ecosystem, pollinating plants and ensuring our gardens and local ecosystems thrive. I've been wanting to set up an apiary for my entire life as I think bees are SO COOL (and I also love honey, but who doesn't?). I recently moved from Los Angeles to Missouri, and have access to my family's farmland here, so for the first time, I actually have the opportunity to take the leap! Below is my step-by-step plan so far, and I will continue to share as it develops further! 🐝
1. Understanding Beekeeping in Missouri
Before diving in, I have to look into local regulations. Although it's unlikely there will be any strict rules in place in rural areas of a state like Missouri, i still need to check with the Department of Agriculture and ensure my apiary aligns with state laws.
2. Choosing the Ideal Location:
I'm scouting for a spot that’s as ideal as possible for the helath and productivity of my bees. It seems like the most important factors to consider are:
Sunlight and Shade: Bees thrive in areas that receive morning sunlight with some afternoon shade. Morning sun helps warm the hives early, encouraging bees to start foraging. However, too much heat in the afternoon can stress the bees, so a bit of shade is beneficial.
Wind Protection: The hives should be protected from strong winds, which can chill the bees and make it difficult for them to forage. Natural windbreaks like trees, shrubs, or even a man-made barrier can provide necessary protection. We have tons of trees on the farm, so this should be fairly easy!
Water Source: Bees need water for cooling the hive and diluting honey. A natural water source within a quarter-mile radius is ideal. Since we currently don't have a good water source on the farm (although we will in the future), I may need to set up a shallow water basin near the hives with floating material like cork or twigs to prevent bees from drowning.
Flora and Forage: Access to a diverse range of flowering plants is crucial. Bees collect nectar and pollen from flowers, so having a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year is important. This can include wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and crops. I'm considering plants like clover, goldenrod, and local wildflowers.
Terrain: Flat or slightly sloping land is ideal for stability and water drainage. Low-lying areas prone to flooding should definitely be avoided.
Distance from Humans and Livestock: While bees generally don’t bother people or animals, it’s safest to keep hives at a reasonable distance from living spaces and livestock pens to minimize potential conflicts. We currently don't have any animals, so this is not a super relevant factor for me right now, but I wanted to include it, just in case.
3. Finding My Bees
I think choosing and actually obtaining the bees is the most intimidating element for me at this stage of the journey. Below is the information I've gathered that will hopefully help me narrow down my options.
Italian Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ligustica):
Characteristics: Gentle, good honey producers, less prone to swarming.
Suitability: Excellent for beginners due to their docile nature.
Carniolan Honey Bee (Apis mellifera carnica):
Characteristics: Very gentle, excellent foragers, adapt well to varying climates.
Suitability: Good for beginners, especially in regions with longer winters.
Russian Honey Bee (Apis mellifera):
Characteristics: Resistant to certain mites, hardy.
Suitability: Suitable for more experienced beekeepers due to their slightly more aggressive nature.
Based on Missouri's climate and terrain, the Italian honey bee seems to be the best choice, especially for a beginner. I'm also exploring if there are any other local options that may be a better fit.
The two most common purchase options seem to be:
A Nucleus Colony (Nuc): A small, established colony with a queen, workers, brood, and honey stores. Ideal for beginners as they establish quickly.
Package Bees: A box containing a queen and worker bees, without frames or comb. More economical but requires more time to establish.
I will be searching for a local supplier to make sure the bees are suited to my environment. As it is currently the end of November, I will continue my planning throughout the winter, and then order the bees either during winter or early spring for delivery or pickup in late spring. This timing will allow the bees to establish themselves during the peak nectar flow and offer them the highest chance of survival and success!
4. Preparing My Beekeeping Toolkit
I’m putting together a list of essentials:
Bee Suit: A full-body bee suit with a veil is essential for protection against bee stings. It should be comfortable and breathable, especially for the warmer months.
Gloves: Beekeeping gloves should be thick enough to prevent stings but also allow dexterity. Leather gloves are a popular choice.
Hive Tool: This is a versatile, flat metal tool used for prying apart hive bodies and frames, scraping propolis, and other hive maintenance tasks.
Smoker: A smoker calms bees by masking alarm pheromones. It's filled with materials like pine needles or cardboard, which produce cool, white smoke.
Bee Brush: A soft-bristled brush to gently remove bees from frames during inspections or honey harvesting.
Hives: There are several types, but the Langstroth hive is the most common for beginners. It’s modular and easy to manage.
Frames and Foundation: Frames hold the foundation, where bees build their comb. Foundations can be made of wax or plastic and often have a hexagonal pattern to guide comb building.
Feeder: Especially in the early stages, or during times of scarce nectar, I might need to feed my bees. Feeders come in various designs like entrance feeders or top feeders.
5. Educational Resources
Embarking on this beekeeping adventure means I’ve got a lot more homework to do. Here’s my game plan for research:
Educational Resources: I’m starting with books and reputable blogs to properly understand bee biology and hive management. I’ll be diving into topics like bee behavior, seasonal hive care, and common challenges.
Local Beekeeping Clubs: Connecting with experienced beekeepers in my area is next on my list. Their practical insights and localized knowledge will be invaluable.
Online Communities: I plan to join online social media groups where I can ask questions, share progress, and learn from others’ experiences.
Conclusion
So that’s the plan! I’ll keep you updated on every step, discovery, and (inevitable) hiccup along the way. If you have any beekeeping advice, stories, or questions, please share them in the comments below! Let's make this a collective learning experience!