Beekeeping Mount Martha Advice
Beekeeping in Mount Martha has changed so much over the years it was not that long ago the Honey Bee was a much wilder insect but humans as we do manipulate the honey bee to become a much more domesticated insect. The honey bee will now produce allot more honey than what it once did, due to the way they are bred.
We have been eating honey for thousands of years and in the earlier years when we collected honey the hive would have been left ruined. How Beekeeping Mount Martha has changed, now we can take what honey we need leave enough honey for the winter and our bees will be just fine. These days we not only use the honey we also use the wax for beauty supplies and the Bee Propolis for medication
How Do You Start Beekeeping In Mount Martha?
The first thing is get involve in a beekeeping course, this will teach you all the basics you need to know about beekeeping. You will be able to find all the course details for Beekeeping Mount Martha here: http://www.aussieapiaristsonline.net/beekeeping-courses.html
Next go get lots of bee friendly plants for the garden, there are so many herbs and plants that are bee friendly. If you are to have bees, you should first make sure you have enough food so that they are healthy.
Here are some examples of bee friendly plants.
Blueberry
Blackberry
Catnip
Crabapple
Borage
Cranberry
Dahlia
Foxglove
Chives
Lavender
Heather
Primrose
Willow
Cornflower
Sedum
Beggar’s tricks
Sunflower
Rosemary
Tea Tree
Where Do You Put Your Hive?
Now find a great place to place your bees, this should be protected from the wind and make sure it gets morning sun in Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. Bees need the morning to warm up their hive and shade in the afternoon sun to keep them cool. If your hive get too hot it can melt the wax inside. Here is a great a great article that give you instructions on where to put your hive http://www.dummies.com/home-garden/hobby-farming/beekeeping/pick-the-perfect-location-for-your-beehive/
Where To Get Your Equipment?
Bees
Getting a good hive healthy is essential. My preference is to get a swarm and build them up, I’ve had some disasters in the past with single origin bees that just don’t work out. If you get a swarm from close to your area chances are that they know where to get the food already.
If you are unable to get a swarm from your area I would recommend the following places.
Beeman Honey & Beekeeping Supplies
2 / 14-16 Tova Drive, Carrum Downs, VIC, 3201
T: 0438 746 501
W: www.beemanhoney.com.au
Bec’s Beehive Beekeeping Supplies & Training
45 Trumpington Grove, Melbourne, Vic, 3791
T: 0409 850 735
E: bec@becsbeehive.com.au
W: www.becsbeehive.com.au/
Bob’s Beekeeping Supplies
Windjana 54 Gills Road, Watsons Creek, Vic, 3097
T: 03 9719 7590
E: bob@bobsbeekeeping.com.au
W: www.bobsbeekeeping.com.au/
Training And Courses
I recommend doing a course before taking on some bees. If you don’t know what you are doing it can be a frighting first experience.
I would recommend the following places.
Beeman Honey & Beekeeping Supplies
2 / 14-16 Tova Drive, Carrum Downs, VIC, 3201
T: 0438 746 501
W: www.beemanhoney.com.au
Bec’s Beehive Beekeeping Supplies & Training
45 Trumpington Grove, Melbourne, Vic, 3791
T: 0409 850 735
E: bec@becsbeehive.com.au
W: www.becsbeehive.com.au/
Your local bee club will also have a course you can take
Boxes And Equipment
Boxes and Equipment
There are many different places you can purchase equipment for Beekeeping Albert Park. But here are some of my favourites:
Online/ In Person – https://www.becsbeehive.com.au/collections
Bec’s bee hive is a great place to find alternative honey extractors, they have a great range of beekeeping equipment as well.
In-Person – http://www.beemanhoney.com.au/
Moe is very knowledgeable and can help you with almost any beekeeping question. He even has a very detailed book that answers the most troublesome questions.
Gumtree – Hives only. I would only buy boxes and hives from Gumtree, you might be able to find a bargain on here
Red Paths Beekeeping – www.redpaths.com.au
Bob’s Beekeeping – www.bobsbeekeeping.com.au
There is an unwanted swarm in My Suburb
If you have an unwanted swarm it is best to report it on Swarm Patrol.
If you would like to speak to someone in Person
Beeman Honey & Beekeeping Supplies
2 / 14-16 Tova Drive, Carrum Downs, VIC, 3201
T: 0438 746 501
W: www.beemanhoney.com.au
Bec’s Beehive Beekeeping Supplies & Training
45 Trumpington Grove, Melbourne, Vic, 3791
T: 0409 850 735
E: bec@becsbeehive.com.au
W: www.becsbeehive.com.au/
Bob’s Beekeeping Supplies
Windjana 54 Gills Road, Watsons Creek, Vic, 3097
T: 03 9719 7590
E: bob@bobsbeekeeping.com.au
W: www.bobsbeekeeping.com.au/