I'm just getting started in planning my hive as well as trying to figure out what plants I can add to our environment to help the bees through the rough times. I live on 200 acres in the sandhills of N.C. but summer can be brutal so I am going to be looking for help in that respect as well. I will be getting my bees in April from a local activist beekeeper and educator. I only plan to start with 1 hive but could be persuaded into to doing 2. I'd rather not kill too many bees on my first go round. Hopefully I'll be able to move up from there.
Nice to meet you all.
-pollenchucker
Welcome....I am just north of you.
As for summer, don't worry about it. Put the bees in full sunlight at least until 5 PM. The small hive beetle loves shade, the bees can manage the heat just fine if they have a water source.
Do yourself a favor and get two hives. You may find that one saves the other and you wind up with two or more, rather than none.
PS, put your nearest town, and state, in your profile. Otherwise, no one can answer your questions when climate has so much to do with beekeeping.
Thanks Iddee, I believe I just finished updating my profile. And I may consider going with 2, what you said squares with my personal feelings though cost might be another consideration. I was hoping to ease in gently but understand the potential possibilities.
-pc
Hello and Welcome Pollenchucker
There is alot of great information on the forum !!
The members here are willing help and answer your questions, all you need to do is to ask
Johnny
Welcome
Welcome to the forum :)
PollenChucker, welcome to our forum. And do you? I mean chuck pollen, that is a most interesting handle, smiling.
Stick around, this can be the place that you can do an incredible amount of learning, a place where you can tell your tales, stories and experiences, and also make some new friends. Have a most great and wonderful day in this groovey life. Cindi