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Keep on (bee) keeping on Beekeeping isn’t an easy feat. With stories of hives flying off, never to return again, it is no surprise that the Beaufort-Jasper Beekeepers Association puts such a strong emphasis on the importance of education. David Arnal suggests attending meetings at your local beekeeper’s association before getting hives, “Our best beginning beekeepers attended our Beaufort- Jasper County Beekeeper Association meetings for two years before they ever got honeybees,” Arnal said. “They knew exactly what to expect and they didn’t just dive in.” Arnal also said that one of the most important things to do when you’re thinking about beekeeping is to check your neighborhood covenants. There are no local or state laws that prohibit the housing of bee hives however, some homeowners’ associations covenants do not permit livestock and, according to the USDA, honeybees are considered livestock. Finally, if you have gone to your local beekeepers’ associations and feel that you are comfortable starting up a hive, make sure you get two hives. This will give you a basis to measure the health of your hives.
To bee or not to bee Whether you are ready for your very own hives or not, there are plenty of ways to make your yard more hospitable to honeybees and bumblebees. “By increasing the number of non-treated annuals and perennials in your garden, you provide a healthy source of pollen for the bees to feed on,” Arnal said. He mentioned that many of the big box stores systemically treat their plants with pesticides. This means that you should pay attention to the source of your plants.
BECKY HERMAN 843.301.3355 Becky@BeckyHerman.com
MONICA DAVIS 843.384.4473 Monica@MonicaDavis.com
MILLION DOLLAR MARKETING IN ALL PRICE RANGES Consistent producers for over 20 years, Becky and Monica have provided professional customized service and expert advice to countless buyers and sellers in the Hilton Head/Bluffton market.
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