Keystone State Thread

Yes, we do. Last year was bad though - the apiary was originally being maintained by two people who gave us a share as hosts. Last summer, they had "issues" and we ultimately bought one of them out but lost the season. Then, in January my solar fence charger crapped out and before I realized it a bear got in and wiped out a lot of frames. New bees are on the way an we'll restart this spring. We get two loads - summer honey is the traditional light stuff you see in stores - and the fall honey which is dark and sweet - looks more like maple syrup.

 

I've always wanted to do that but idk how to even get started.

 

I finally got some more of mine done yesterday. I've been trying to get as much caught up as I can, since I don't have work. Maybe it'll let me enjoy some time once this is over.

 

There are probably classes on basic beekeeping around you. We run one through my college - actually offering one online soon, I think. The woman we partner with on our apiary runs them.

It's not really hard or complex - of course, the more hives you maintain and if you want to sell honey it gets more difficult.

 

I just really fucking love honey, no need to sell it.

 

Susquehanna?

 

Yeah, that stuff right there looks good! I'm always on the lookout for good raw honey. To spread on toast, to brew with. I recently bottled a mead made from raw meadowfoam honey and cherries. It turned out great! My parents brought some macadamia honey back from Hawaii with them. It has a very unique flavor; would love to turn some of that into mead as well!
Do you happen to know what varietal your honey is? Or is it just wildflower?

 

X2

 

The fall honey has a lot of Japanese knot weed and ragweed - that gives it the deep color - and our local wildflowers so it is awesome if you have allergies.

 

I have a friend that also has an apiary. The dark fall honey is my favorite. The taste is the same to me, but the texture is more granulated. It could be because he has raw unprocessed as well. I don't know anything about bees or honey. I just know fresh honey has no substitute.

 

My friends apiary is almost entirely japanese knotwood I believe. I didn't even know it flowered. It was invasive and they had a hard time eradicating naturally. They embraced it and made it work. These bees don't seem to mind as long as the pollen is there.

 

Was able to get glass jobs today. Idk about tomorrow but today I shall make some money to get me thru the month.

 

Good to hear. Hoping you find something permanent soon.

 

Morning PA Folks. Don't listen to the news....




Stay safe out there folks.

 

Before all this shit hit the fan. Me and my bro were trying to start our own glass company

 

are you a keeper of bees?

 

Yes, on a small scale. Have to do a restart of the apiary this spring - bees are enroute.

 

Now would be the time to do it. The uncertainty of the current situation is tough, but it seems like you have a good work ethic and drive. Have faith in yourself and make it happen. At least you will call and fire yourself.

 

We gotta figure out advertisement thats probably the biggest obstacle

 

Just get some solid fleet business and whatnot until you get established and capital built. Word of mouth is the best advertising.