1st Honey Harvest

[Queequeg]

This is 'Year III' for us.
We spent the entire first year tending to other hives. Last year we had our own first hive, but it was a rather weak colony (low population) and what little honey they produced we saved for them to sustain them through the long Michigan winter. And still, we had to feed them from late February until May when their honey ran out.
Over this past weekend we spun out approximately 3.5 gallons, which was quite a bit of work but very gratifying. In two weeks, we can probably pull off another 3 gallons or so.
We don't really do this for the honey, since we will give most of it away, not selling it. Nevertheless, it completes the cycle of raising them, caring for them, over-wintering them and finally a harvest.
I had no idea their lives were so complex. Honeybees act as a single "superorganism". They use intricate dances to communicate, and they have a division of labor according to age, although they only live 35-45 days. Honeybees have five eyes and see ultraviolet colors, and support a huge part of our global food supply through pollination.

[B0WIE]

Thx for sharing. My wife has been wanting to start a hive for years. Trouble is, we already have neighbors we don't get along with and, though we have a good sized yard, we're still in the suburbs so we're fairly close to other houses. How much space do you realistically need between a hive and a home?

[Queequeg]

Thx for sharing. My wife has been wanting to start a hive for years. Trouble is, we already have neighbors we don't get along with and, though we have a good sized yard, we're still in the suburbs so we're fairly close to other houses. How much space do you realistically need between a hive and a home?

I joined a local club called Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers. That might give you some idea, B0WIE. 25 feet is good, but the hive entrance should be pointed at your own house or property; not your neighbors.
And since you're in the southwest, where everyone has a swimming pool, you have to provide a dedicated water source on your property so bees do not visit your neighbor's pools, pet bowls, or leaky faucets.

When friends come to visit and want to see the hives, I tell them to keep 15 feet from the hives if I'm opening them up so that they can see the frames within.
A little closer, maybe 10 feet if we aren't going to look inside unless they're wearing a veil or bee suit.
If you have a solid fence around your property, that will force the foraging bees to fly high above your neighbors.
Generally speaking, honeybees will defend their hive, but aren't typically aggressive when foraging.

[B0WIE]

Thx for that info. Based on that, I think we have the space, and with the massive koi pond the water needs are covered
We have a lot of the local burrowing bees here. They have underground nests all over our property and we let wild flowers bloom so the bees can do their thing. I wonder if they'd conflict with each other. Lots of research ahead.

[Queequeg]

Thx for that info. Based on that, I think we have the space, and with the massive koi pond the water needs are covered
We have a lot of the local burrowing bees here. They have underground nests all over our property and we let wild flowers bloom so the bees can do their thing. I wonder if they'd conflict with each other. Lots of research ahead.

B0WIE, look for a local beekeepers club, if in fact there is one close by.
That failing, go to your local farmers market and talk to the folks selling honey.
Ask if they accept volunteers, as you and/or your wife are interested in becoming a beekeeper.
Books and youtube are great but there's just no substitute for hands-on experience.
The ground bees won't pose much of a problem as honeybees are very good at defending their hive. But you will see a couple of them buzzing around, attracted by the honey within when you inspect the hive.

[teh]

My son just started a beehive in his backyard and it's been fun to watch and very educational. I'm not sure how they will fare during the NW PA winter and lake effect snow headed our way in a few months, but we'll see.

[Queequeg]

My son just started a beehive in his backyard and it's been fun to watch and very educational. I'm not sure how they will fare during the NW PA winter and lake effect snow headed our way in a few months, but we'll see.

Your son will have to keep the hive entrance clear so bees can take their cleansing flights throughout the winter, but the heavy blanket of snow (typical of Erie, PA) can actually help to insulate the hive.
Protection from the north and west winds will help the colony survive, but most heat escapes through the top, so I put 2 inches of foam under the outer cover.

[Riverbend]

We've considered hosting honeybees on our property as we have a rather large garden(s) and a small orchard and berry plantings. And then our great neighbors decided to do it, so we just give their bees full access to everything! As if we could stop them! They're in year two and have had a productive year and we're just waiting on our jug. I eat honey every day.