Beekeeping, honey and more.

[Sylin]

I've had a number of people ask me questions since I mentioned I kept bees as a hobby a few weeks back.

Someone kindly suggested I start an OT thread, so here it is. I hope the mods don't mind.

A quick overview -- my interest in beekeeping started a few years ago, but it wasn't until this past spring that I was able to plunge into it.

Thankfully, I got a good mentor in one of the most renowned beekeepers in the southern US, who also happened to be a family friend and a proponent of organic hive management (no chemicals). He helped me get going with 2 colonies, I caught a feral swarm to add a 3rd, and helped a few friends catch and manage their own colonies this year.

Beekeeping is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. Many hobbies are time-consuming or expensive, but beekeeping is very much the opposite. Bees are extremely giving creatures, so you will always get more out of beekeeping than what you put in (if that makes sense).

Feel free to post your questions, and I'll be happy to answer them.