I've been taking a beekeeping course, inspired in part by this beekeeper lady in Denver. Tonight is my 4th class and I think I'm ready, mentally, to handle a beehive. There's a lot to learn and a lot of details, but none of it is intimidating. One thing makes me hesitate: the instructors and the books keep emphasizing how important it is to talk to your neighbors when you start. Just to reassure and educate them. And I understand that. But. I don't know. I've got some complicated neighbors, well, one complicated one. He may not react well. And that's not good for anyone. And I've got another neighbor who once told me she's terrified of bees. So I'll ponder that question before I make a commitment to the equipment and the bees. Bees are sooooo interesting.
Pictures of my class last week making frames. Apologies to these classmates who I don't know and who don't know me. It's a very big class: 90 students plus all the instructors and vendors and other passionate apiarists who seem to buzz around the classroom.
Oh, and one other hesitation. I talked to an organic beekeeper a few weeks ago and she frowns upon the kind of beekeeping methods I've been learning about. Sigh.
2 comments:
Hey, good for you!
I did not talk to my neighbors; I figure since bees are legal where I am, I would just keep a low profile. Check to see what kind of permit (if any) you need so if someone does complain, you're on the up-and-up.
My guess is you're learning about conventional beekeeping, which probably involves treating with antibiotics and miticides. I would just keep in mind that many beekeepers prefer not to treat their bees and the bees do just fine.
If you want to be organic, get "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beekeeping," which is due out this spring. You can also find a lot of info online.
Good luck! (Yell if you want pointers/moral support)
You seem to have a lot of land, not just a city lot, so I don't see the problem.
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