Starting out

I should have really started this blog late fall last year when I began thinking of becoming a beekeeper. I started out by thinking it might be really good for the garden.  I was also using honey every day in my coffee, having switched from sugar. I had learned about the benefits of honey. I knew how great  bees can be in the garden, and I wanted to build more gardens and expand those already started.  I also wanted to add a few apple trees to the yard. So bees on the property could benefit me in many ways.

I'm also hoping to retire someday although not for several years most likely given the economic situations.  But when I do retire, I'd love to have a side business where I can sell honey, fresh herbs, and cut flowers and perhaps some homemade bread items. So starting now, I can build for my retirement and in the meantime, get a lot of enjoyment along the way.

But let's not lose sight that this venture is helping the environment. With bee populations disappearing, we need more beekeepers so that we continue to produce good crops. Without bees, you just can't get good crops so it's critical.

One of my friends, when I told her about this venture, just looked at me with a stone face, and said "you're crazy!"  Ok...a few days later, she also sent me an article in the Boston Globe about another crazy lady who has made a nice business for herself in the Boston area. All of a sudden, it didn't seem so crazy.  But I'm getting way ahead of myself.  I don't even have bees yet!

Starting with Becoming a Beekeeper for Dummies was a good idea. I had attended a beekeeping lecture last fall and after that, I decided to seriously explore becoming a beekeeper! The folks over in Swanzy, NH had recommended the book so I went out and bought it.  At that point, I was just researching and wanted to understand what was involved...including startup costs. About halfway through the book I had decided to do this and I wasn't going to wait.  I wanted to start it this spring.

My next post will talk about what I've done to get ready for when the bees arrive in mid to late April.