Bee keeping is a rewarding way to spend time and en educational hobby to have. There are many bee keepers in Johannesburg that have gardens large enough for a colony of bees to safely live in the hive provided for them.
Setting up a bee hive to start the process of bee keeping is relatively simple and contacting one of the bee keeping organisations in the area will provide you with information on the type of hive you need and how to maintain it. Bees can be left alone to do what they need to, for most of the time, it is however necessary that you ensure their safety and health. Once again, a local bee keeping organisation will be able to provide you with all the information you may need.
Bee keeping for commercial purposes will require a bit of training. This training will cover all the aspects regarding the health and safety of the bees, and of yourself.
You will also need to learn how to go about harvesting the honey and clearing it of impurities will still maintain quality. Selling honey is a lucrative business which can be supplemented by the by products of bee keeping and honey production, such as beeswax, and propolis.
Why bee keeping is not for everyone.
It may seem that bee keeping is a hassle-free hobby and way to keep your garden in bloom, there are still demands that will be made of you that may turn your experience as a bee keeper into one you would rather forget.
Before you start down the road of bee keeping, it is important to understand that it is a long-term commitment and initially the rewards are slow in coming. The initial stages require patience and a willingness to learn.
While you may enjoy honey, and seeing bees flit about your garden or you may be filled with the desire to add to the dwindling bee population around the world; there are a few things you need to consider.
- Are you or anyone living with you allergic to bees?
- Do you have quiet spot in which to place the hive? Under a tree, amongst flowering plants, but with a reasonable amount of shade during the summer months.
- Do you have pets, especially dogs that will be a nuisance and pose a threat to the hive, for example; jumping against the hive.
- Dogs are often the target of angry bees, even if they have not been near them.
- Do you have the time and willingness to learn about bees and their care?
- If you want instant access to honey, then you are better off buying it.
- Removing honey and preparing it for consumption is a time consuming and sticky business, dedicated space is required.
So, while your intentions are good, think very carefully before entering the world of bee keeping.
If the main reason for wanting to keep bees is to help keep their numbers up, you can help by planting as many flowering plants as you can and refrain from using insecticides. By doing these two, very simple things you are helping tremendously.