Bit as long as it's not full shade all the time they will be fine on the light. You might be able to redirect air flow by planting a shrub or other tall plant to funnel some air between the two buildings. You might be able to check how much air flow it actually gets by putting something that will move in a light breeze about the height you plan to put the hive in the spot you want it. That will also help you determine if that's a good location for you as far as being out of the way.

Mark out the spot you want the hive and keep a check on how damp the ground stays. If it doesn't stay damp all the time it should be OK.

Ann, they've been called, written, visited, canvassed, petitioned... and it has actually come a long way. There is a bill written to legalize beekeeping, and every single council member has said they plan to vote for it... they just keep pushing back the date of the vote. I don't understand how it's so hard to decide to vote on something that you already agree to, but I guess that's the nature of politics.

Thanks for the tips, Mindy!

I understand. I remember you said that before. But you need to get the ball rolling again so they don't push back the vote again & again & again. How about writing a letter to the editor of the newspaper expressing what you just stated here? You can't buy press or pressure like that.

Hi fokes, I have always been interested in keeping bees, and think I have a nice place for them, or at least I've been told. I grow a lot of flowers, and was asked if a man could put a few hives here. I really didn't like the idea then, but why not I put a couple hives here .
I have enjoyed reading your fourms, and I believe, with a little more knowledge, it can be done. Thanks, Mike

Mike! Go for it!

Welcome Mike. No reason you can't have your own bees if you like them so well.

Check out the articles section for articles on beekeeping or click my photo for my profile page which lists all the articles I've wrote on bees and keepeeing to date. The current series is about setting up your own beeyard.

Feel free to ask questions and just comment. If I don't know the answer I'm sure Ann or Linda will.

I've a question about honey and bees.

I have some awful tasting dark honey I purchased last year in Arizona. Since I have this brand new hive in the backyard, where the poor things have to start from scratch (they have sugar water) I was wondering if I could feed them this honey somehow. It's got to be better for them than sugar water. Maybe a little on a plate during the day time? I don't want to encourage skunks, racoons or other night time creatures so I was thinking I could take the plate away at night.

Yes you can feed that honey to the bees. You can either pour it out on something straight or mix it with water. We fed some honey to some weak hives last fall to help them build up and just poured it out on something near the hives.
You will probably have other insects helping them eat it. To prevent ants from getting in it sprinkle ground cinnamon around where they would have to crawl to get to it. It won't hurt the bees.

Hi,
My husband loves honey and we purchase it at the Bowling Green Farmer's Market on a reg basis. I and my son are allergic to bees but he isnt'. We have kicked around the idea of starting a hive or two. We have 5 acres and I raise dls and iris as a hobby business. Where do you purchase the hives?

Any info will be appreciated.

Teresa

HI Teresa

You can get hives from any beekeeping supplier online. Or check with your county extension office and see if they know of anyone selling hives in your area. Beekeeper Associations are another good place to check for people selling them.

It's best to get them locally if you can because they will be adapted to your weather conditions.

Some names to check out online for beekeeping supplies
Water T Kelley
Dadant
Brushy Mountain
Blue Sky

A Google search for beekeeping suppliers will bring up lots more.

Good Luck

Ok, thanks
This sounds silly but do they start coming on their own? After you set the hive? I need to do some research.

Oh no Teresa, you have to buy the bees with it. You don't just set an empty hive there & bees come to it.

You can, however, try to bait a swarm. In the spring, put a few drops of lemon grass essential oil inside the empty hive and there's a good chance that a passing swarm will move right in.

Alternatively, find out who in your area goes around and picks up the swarms when homeowners call it in. They are always looking for aspiring beekeepers to give a swarm to. We established a hive like this last year.

Ann and Dave are right Teresa. However, one reason I suggested you check with your County Extension office is because they will know if anyone is selling hives complete with bees. Check with the police and fire departments to find out who goes and collects the swarms Dave mentioned.

Geez this sounds dangerous to me! I have been to the hospital before for shots. If you have a hive several hundred feet away can you tell a big difference in how many is in the yard.

Teresa, if you're that allergic & your son is too then IMHO I wouldn't do it. Honey bees are NOT out to get people but still, with the severity of your allergy it just isn't a good idea to increase your chances of being stung by increasing bee "activity". Just my 2 cents worth.

I am rethinking this because I bet my 21 yr old would end up trying to work with them just to see if he could lol.

Generally honey bees won't attack you while foraging but if you accidently disturb them by picking a flower they are on or step on one on the ground, they will sting you.
Working the hives pretty well guarantees you'll be stung even with protective gear on.
I agree if you are in the 1% of people who are highly allergic to honey bee venom please reconsider it.

Hi Mindy03
we have a mutual friend in Robyn Green and she just told me about this forum site, this is great and I'd like to share, why I became a Beekeeper.
4 years ago I needed bees to polinate a few of my apple trees,so I took a class and joined a club, then I just fell on love with them,
I have 8 hives now and I harvest honey and wax, But i have to say I couldn't do it with out joining my local honey bee club and taking a class every spring.
I do some experimenting also, I'm looking for herbal plants to help keep the mites away.

My understanding is that spearmint is a good plant to have around your beehives.

Where are you located?