When you register for a hive, the beekeeper will contact you and arrange for a survey of the property where the bees are requested. The beekeeper will be noting such things as an adequate water source for the bees (portable water sources can be arranged if needed), suitable resources for pollen and nectar flow, as well as a protected area for the hive to be kept.

If the area will work, and is agreed upon, then the hive will be installed for the agreed-upon length of time.

click here for Grower Responsibilities

click here for Beekeeper Responsibilities

FAQ:

When will my bees be delivered to my property?
A delivery date will be agreed upon between the grower and the beekeeper.

When can I expect to get my first honey from the colony?
Honey flow is dependent upon the area’s nectar flow. Generally the first honey can be extracted toward the middle to end of July, though each area will be different. A better idea can be obtained from the beekeeper after he surveys the area for local flowers and trees that produce nectar.

Can I get some beeswax from the bees?
When the honey is extracted from the frames, the only wax that is removed is the caps of the honey comb.  The rest is left for the bees to refill as they are able, thus enabling them to concentrate on producing honey rather than having to rebuild the comb.  The caps, providing perhaps a pound or less of usable wax, can either be kept by you or taken by the beekeeper. If you decide to keep them, detailed written instructions on how to process the wax for candles or other uses, will be provided.

How many bees are in the colony?
Each full and established colony contains approximately 20 - 50,000 bees.

How far will the bees fly from the colony?
The bees will fly as far as they can to gather the proper amounts of pollen and nectar for their hive. The greater the distance required for them to fly, the less efficient the bees can be in pollinating and producing honey. This emphasizes the need for a good location near to the plants and trees that the grower wishes to be pollinated. The ideal distance is within one mile or less, though a bee can travel up to five miles if needed.

Can I go and inspect the bees?
 

Questions about the world of the bees:
- How does the beekeeper get the bees in the hive?
- What does a package of bees look like?
- What does a queen bee/queen cage look like?
- What does the inside of the hive/colony look like?
- Where do the bees store the honey?
- How do you get the honey off the combs?
- Where does the beekeeper get the bees?
How will my honey be processed:
- Full capped frames of honey selected.
- Caps cut off the frames of honey with knife.
- Cut comb placed into extractor.
- Honey filtered if desired.
- 1/2 gallon containers of honey.
 

This web site owned and maintained by Sarah and Sean Johnson.  If you have any questions regarding this site, please feel free to contact us!