Having your own apiary in your garden or allotment can be a great way to calm down and get more in touch with nature. Bees are one of the most useful insects in the world, so preparing a hive for them can be considered a very important mission. An additional advantage of having an apiary is, of course, your own honey. But is it a hobby for everyone?
Starting an apiary is becoming more and more popular not only as a hobby but also as a small business. It is worth preparing for it so that you are not discouraged by the initial difficulties. The presence of bees is also beneficial for our crops and flowers.
An important aspect of the enterprise, which is your own apiary, is to choose the right place where to put the hives. You should first check whether the area is suitable for keeping bees. The site of the apiary should have a wide variety of plants. We also have to remember that the apiary must be run according to the law
According to the law, the bees need a lot of space to run their own hive, because the apiary should be at least 10 m away from the fence or the road. You also have to secure the area properly and make sure that the presence of the bees will not disturb your neighbors. Our hobby cannot be a nuisance to people who live in the close vicinity. Another obligation arising from the law is the need to report the possession of the apiary to the District Veterinarian. Also remember to put up an information and warning board about the presence of bees in the area
>> Read also: How to save bees? The action “Collect the seeds – save the bees”!
In addition, it is worth insuring your apiary in case of an unwanted human or animal sting. Before starting to build hives, check if we or our relatives are not allergic to bee venom. A possible sting could have very serious health consequences
When the site we have chosen meets the natural and formal conditions and has adequate sunlight and dryness, we can move on to choosing the hives. It may seem that at first, a small number of hives is enough, but this is a serious mistake made by beginner beekeepers. There is a great risk that due to inexperience you will lose the whole apiary. It is advisable to buy a larger number of hives for practical reasons and place them in pairs. The ideal hive should protect the insects from the cold and overheating, ensuring proper ventilation. The cost of one beehive is in the region of several hundred zlotys, depending on the model you choose. After buying a hive it is advisable to paint it white or blue to make it easier for the bees to find their way back home. The apiary area should be mowed regularly and livestock should not graze on it
Once the hives have been selected, it is time for the proper beekeeping equipment, which consists of:
Do not forget appropriate clothing to protect against stings: beekeeping apron, hat with a net, gloves and protectors for legs and hands.
The last step to begin our adventure in beekeeping is to obtain be es. The most popular way is to buy insects from a reliable breeder. Beginners are advised to buy bees from beekeepers as they have a gentle disposition. You can often find offers to sell a hive with bees or with combs. The most popular method of acquiring insects is to buy the brood in June, which will only start to produce benefits for next year.
