Did you know that every year millions of honey bees are brought into California for almond pollination? Commercial bee migration to and from almond fields is a common practice in modern agriculture, especially in regions where almonds are a major crop, such as California. Here is an overview of the process: 1. Pollination Demand: Almond […]
Almond Pollination Read More »
Transitioning from winter to spring in beekeeping is a critical period that requires careful attention to ensure the health and productivity of your honey bee colonies. In order to have healthy hives and avoid loss, here are several key aspects to consider during this seasonal shift: 1. Colony Assessment: Before spring arrives, inspect your hives
So, you are considering becoming a beekeeper? What things should you think through before committing? Here’s a list of important considerations: If you do all of these, you will know if beekeeping is in your future or better left to a dream for another time!
What should I do before buying a hive? Read More »
What exactly is swarming? What does a split mean? Let me take a few minutes to explain! It is vital for beekeepers or potential beekeepers to understand swarming and splitting! Swarming and splitting are natural behaviors of honey bee colonies that are essential for their survival and expansion. These processes occur in response to certain
Swarming and Splitt: Honey Bee Growth Read More »
There are a lot of bees in the world, estimates are placed at over 20 thousand types of bees! While not covering all of them here, we will take a look at a few important bee families. Understanding the diversity of bee species is crucial for appreciating their vital role in pollination and ecosystem health.
Let’s talk some Major Bee Types Read More »
Believe it or not, weather has a profound impact on honey bees and significantly influences various aspects of beekeeping practices. Bees are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, and changes in weather patterns can affect their behavior, productivity, and overall well-being. One of the most critical weather factors for honey bees is temperature. Bees are ectothermic,
How does the weather impact honey bees and beekeepers? Read More »
Feeding honey bees is an essential aspect of beekeeping, especially during periods of scarcity or when establishing new colonies. Proper nutrition ensures the health and productivity of the hive. Here’s a guide on how to feed honey bees: Types of Bee Feed: When to Feed Bees: Feeder Types: Feeding Guidelines: Feeding honey bees is a
Honey Bee Feeding: What? When? How? Read More »
During the holiday season we eat delicious snacks, festive treats, and generally gather around the dinner table with friends and family more often. But have we taken the time to think about the impact bees have on our dinner table? Bee pollination plays a crucial role in sustaining the global food chain, impacting both natural
Bee Pollination: How important is it? Read More »
To start Honey 4 Hope, we had to do significant behind the scenes work. First there was a wood fence to remove, filling holes with dirt and gravel, and driving a skid steer (think forklift) just to tend to the field. There was much manual labor involved in obtaining the first bee boxes, painting, and
The Laborious work behind the scenes Read More »