Today, we have something special for you—a guest post from someone near and dear to the Outdoor Family team. Brittnee, my sister-in-law, is not only an incredible mom to three beautiful children and a successful realtor, but she also manages a growing homestead on her property in the Washington peninsula. With her passion for hobby farming and hands-on experience in homesteading, Brittnee has explored everything from gardening to raising goats to beekeeping. We are thrilled to have her share some wonderful tips and insights on beekeeping as a family. Without further ado, let’s hand it over to Brittnee!
Background
Beekeeping has always been the bee’s knees in my family, spanning generations and enriching our lives in countless ways. I still remember the first time I looked into a beehive at the age of 11, nervous yet curious, puffing smoke around the Langstroth hive alongside my father. As the bees settled deep in their combs, I watched in awe at the intricate workings of the hive—the nurse bees feeding larvae, the housekeepers cleaning and building wax combs, and the guards protecting the colony. I learned that each bee has a specific job that changes as they age, starting as a nurse and eventually becoming a forager, flying up to 20 miles a day to gather nectar. This introduction to the fascinating world of bees was the beginning of a lifelong passion that stretches back to my great-great-grandfather, Nephi Miller, who began our family’s beekeeping tradition in the late 1800s.
My family’s history with bees is rich and storied, beginning when Nephi traded bags of oats for seven colonies of bees. He went on to pioneer migratory beekeeping, a practice that involves transporting hives across state lines to maximize honey production throughout the year and help with crop pollination. This tradition has been passed down through the generations — Nephi, my great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and now me. Even my young son has joined in, showing a natural enthusiasm that seems to run in his blood. Beekeeping has been more than just a hobby for us; it’s a way to connect with our heritage, nature, and each other.
Getting Started with Beekeeping: Tips from a Family Tradition
If you’re looking to embark on this rewarding journey, here are some tips and steps to help you get started:
- Understand the Basics of Bees and Their Environment: Bees are remarkable creatures with a complex social structure. Understanding their roles—like the queen, drones, and worker bees—is crucial. The queen, the heart of the hive, can lay up to 1,500 eggs a day, while worker bees, which live around 45 days, tirelessly maintain the hive. Knowledge of these roles helps in managing a healthy hive.
- Acquire Essential Beekeeping Equipment: To get started, you’ll need some basic equipment, including a hive (Langstroth is a common choice), a bee suit, gloves, a smoker, and a hive tool. My son uses a smoker passed down from his great-grandfathers, a family heirloom that connects us to our past generations.
- Choose a Suitable Location for Your Hive: Find a sunny, sheltered spot in your garden that’s safe from strong winds and has easy access to water. Beekeeping doesn’t require a lot of space; even a small yard can accommodate a hive. This is a wonderful way to create a happy ecosystem on your property, as I did when we decided to complement our garden with bees for natural pollination.
- Order Your Bees and Set Up in the Right Season: February or March is the ideal time to start planning for a new hive. You can order your bees from local suppliers and typically receive them in April. The timing may vary depending on your climate, but starting in early spring gives the bees enough time to establish themselves before winter.
- Connect with Local Beekeeping Communities: One of the best ways to learn is by joining local beekeeping associations or online communities. These groups provide invaluable support and can help you identify potential problems before they escalate. I’ve found these connections crucial for navigating challenges like managing varroa mites, a modern pest that can devastate hives if not controlled.
- Maintain Regular Hive Inspections: Beekeeping today requires more dedication than in the past. Regular inspections—every one to three weeks during warmer months—are essential to ensure the hive remains healthy. This routine helps catch any issues early, such as pests or diseases.
Benefits of Beekeeping for Families
Beekeeping isn’t just about honey; it’s a wonderful way for families to bond and learn together. When my son and I suit up to check the hive, it’s a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and marvel at the intricate systems within the hive. He is fascinated by the roles of each bee, just as I was many years ago.
Educational Value: Beekeeping offers hands-on lessons in biology, ecology, and the importance of pollinators. Children learn patience, responsibility, and the rewards of nurturing life.
Health Benefits: Local honey is not only delicious but also has health benefits, such as boosting immunity and alleviating allergies. A hive can produce an incredible amount of honey—though it’s worth noting that it takes nectar from two million flowers to make just one pound!
Environmental Stewardship: Beekeeping fosters an appreciation for nature and the environment. Understanding that bees are responsible for pollinating one-third of the food we consume deepens our commitment to protecting them.
Themes and Ideas Beekeeping Encourages
Beekeeping encourages a deeper connection with nature, an appreciation for sustainable practices, and a respect for the delicate balance of ecosystems. Observing the bees’ dance-like “waggle” communication or understanding the rigorous work behind a single teaspoon of honey—these experiences cultivate a sense of wonder, gratitude and appreciation.
For our family, beekeeping is a bridge between the past and present, connecting us to our roots while teaching valuable life lessons. It’s more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life that slows us down and invites us to observe, learn, and grow together.
Resources for Further Learning and Getting Started
To deepen your family’s beekeeping journey, check out these helpful resources:
- Beekeeping Made Simple: A comprehensive guide and available classes to take your learning up a notch.
- The Bee: A Kid’s Guide to Getting Started in Beekeeping – Book Recommendation
- Beekeeping for Beginners: How To Raise Your First Bee Colonies – Book Recommendation
- Backyard Beekeeping: Everything You Need to Know to Start Your First Hive – Book Recommendation
- Building Beehives For Dummies – Book Recommendation
- Self-Sufficiency: Beekeeping Definitive Guide – Book Recommendation
- The Beekeeper’s Handbook – Book Recommendation
- Backyard Beekeeping For Beginners – Book Recommendation
- Blisstime 26pcs Beekeeping Supplies – Beekeeping Supplies (Amazon)
- Blythwood Bee Company – Beekeeping supplies and resources
- FlowHive – Bee Hive and supplies (referral link provided in hyperlink for discount)
We hope that this article gives you some ideas and recourse to start the journey as a family. We highly encourage you to reach out to local beekeeping groups in your area (especially by State). Local support can help answer a lot of questions and make sure that you get a local flavor to any advice or next steps you are about to try.
Happy beekeeping!
