Learn More About Urban Seattle Beekeeping in 2017

It is hard to miss all the news reports that continue to warn about the growing scarcity of helpful bees. Gardeners recognize the importance of having a healthy bee population to pollinate their fruits and vegetables. Without bees, pollination slows to a halt and soon the gorgeous flowers we take for granted in the spring will be a distant memory! If you want to ensure you have a bountiful garden, urban beekeeping is an excellent idea. You don’t need a lot of land to keep your own bees. The folks at Greenwood Hardware can help you get started with your own urban beekeeping operation.

The great thing about bees is they are pretty self-sufficient. They can take care of themselves given the right environment, which is where you come in. It is a good idea to talk with people who are experienced in backyard beekeeping or consider joining a local club or group. The trend is growing in popularity and the more bees in the neighborhood, the better it will be.

The key to getting off to the right start is to start with friendly bees. That may not sound like a possibility, but there are different bee varieties. Do some research and consider starting with Mason bees. Next, you will need a place for the bees to make a cozy hive. The area doesn’t have to be in the middle of an orchard or garden, but it does need to be somewhere the bees will have lots of fresh water.

You will also need to purchase some equipment to make your beekeeping a success:

• protective gear
• smoker
• hive
• tools to scrape the honey
• jars to store your honey

It is best to start with one or two colonies. Don’t try and start with any more than that. It is a good idea to start your colonies in the early spring months. This gives the bees time to settle and find food sources. You want them there before the first blossoms bloom on your tulips and other spring flowers.

If you are interested in getting your own bee colony going in your backyard, head into Greenwood Hardware today to pick up what you need to get started. Seattle is just one of the major cities in the United States who allows and encourages urban beekeeping. Get in on the fun and you will reap the rewards! Come on in, or contact us today.