I decided the other day I am very interested in trying my hand at beekeeping, specifically as a source of income (and honey for mead!). I'm really interested in social insects, as well, so this will certainly become an obsession-hobby for me; when I have the opportunity, I'm definitely going to get an observation hive.
I plan to start contacting apiaries in my area to see about apprenticing (I'd probably only be able to pull of a day or two a week) or simply being able to go check out their setups. I've reserved a handful of books at the library and I've been doing a bit of reading online. I am at this point at a kind of pre-planning stage. My hope is to get some knowledge - and some experience if I can pull it off - this summer and getting some hives together next spring.
I really don't have any specific questions at the moment, but was more hoping for some tips or things to keep in mind from those with beekeeping experience (as a hobby or profession). Thanks!
I plan to start contacting apiaries in my area to see about apprenticing (I'd probably only be able to pull of a day or two a week) or simply being able to go check out their setups. I've reserved a handful of books at the library and I've been doing a bit of reading online. I am at this point at a kind of pre-planning stage. My hope is to get some knowledge - and some experience if I can pull it off - this summer and getting some hives together next spring.
I really don't have any specific questions at the moment, but was more hoping for some tips or things to keep in mind from those with beekeeping experience (as a hobby or profession). Thanks!