Backyard beekeeping is an ever-growing hobby with sweet rewards. From urban backyards to hobby farms, beekeepers are setting up apiaries everywhere.
However, it’s important to know if you can actually have bees in your backyard. It’s also important to have adequate space for your hives and everything that goes with them.
With the help of Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you can learn what you need to do before getting started with beekeeping.
Before you get started, do your research. You need to make sure you can legally keep bees. Some cities and counties may have ordinances that prohibit backyard beekeeping.
Check with your local county extension office for any regulations on beekeeping.
Also check with your city on zoning restrictions and the requirement of a beekeeping license. There might also be restrictions on how many hives you can have, the size of your hives, and even rules on keeping bees hydrated.
Zoning restrictions can differ between residential, commercial, and agricultural properties.
Some cities require a map of your apiary and the surrounding area with dimensions to get a permit. This not only gives you and the city a visual plan for your bees, but it gives one to your neighbors, too.
If you have close neighbors, you’ll want to talk with them about bringing bees into the area. Make sure no one has bee allergies. The last thing you want is to create any problems with your neighbors.
Some cities even make it a requirement to notify neighbors and get approval from them if they live within a certain distance.
Sweeten the deal by offering them some free honey and telling them about the benefits of beekeeping.
You need to live in a habitat that bees can thrive in. To make honey, bees need to collect pollen from flowering plants. You’ll want to make sure you have multiple types of flowers growing in your yard.
Your bees will also travel away from your home to collect pollen. If you live in an urban area with not a lot of plants around, it may not be the best environment for them.
It’s also a good idea to join your local bee club. Talking with seasoned, local beekeepers is the best way to learn about beekeeping.
Plus, they’ll know if you can locally keep bees in your backyard, and may have tips on setting up your apiary.
At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you’ll find everything you need to start beekeeping. From beehives to beekeeping clothes to honey-harvesting equipment, your apiary will be set.
For more tips on the caring and keeping of bees, visit our Beekeeping Blog.
