Would you, could you, keep bees?
Posted on April 16th, 2009 – 11:11 PMBy Robyn Dochterman
By now, I bet you’ve heard… the City of Minneapolis is abuzz over the possibility that residents may soon be able to (legally) keep honeybees. Read all about it if you haven’t already:
Minneapolis drew closer to legalizing hives after the City Council heard from “stealth beekeepers.”
For those of you who garden, this is very good news. The pollination heroics of honeybees (and bumblebees) are becoming better known and appreciated all the time.
I didn’t move out of Minneapolis five years ago because the city wouldn’t allow me to keep bees. But I did get bees as soon as I moved to the country. They seemed like livestock I could manage.
Last weekend, we settled three new colonies into the hive boxes in the backyard. Two also made it through the winter, for a total of five (assuming I didn’t squash a queen putting the boxes back together).
Finding the colonies doing well after winter is like getting together again with old friends. It’s a pleasure to clean the boxes, tidy up the beeyard and make sure the colonies have pollen and food until the nectar flow comes on.
Keeping bees makes me a better gardener because I’m keenly aware of seasonal changes and more knowledgeable about plants and how they reproduce. I like to think I’m a slightly better person because some bees are willing to hang out with me.
Would you hang out with bees if it becomes legal in Minneapolis? What would you need to know to get started?
Or to ease your mind if the idea of honeybees nearby sounds more daunting than beneficial?
13 Responses to "Would you, could you, keep bees?"
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I would WANT to but there would be a huge learning curve & potentially freaked out neighbors (most people I know aren’t super bee friendly). But I have fruit I need pollinated and there are so many advantages. Who knows, maybe in a few years it will be time for new pets…
I like honeybees. They are fairly docile and do good work. That said, I think the daycare next door should exempt me from keeping bees as small children and a hive of bees may not be a good combination. If I had more room or fruit trees maybe. I still see honey bees in the flowers so they are already somewhere nearby and I encourage their little visits by not spraying things.
Not spraying things is an excellent approach to attract honeybees, Debw. Lots of chemicals that are safe for humans are deadly to honeybees and other helpful insects.
As for the learning curve…I think keeping bees is like almost anything else. You can choose to dabble in it and get decent results, or really apply yourself if you want more out of the experience. Bees have a great deal to teach us about living socially, that much I know for sure!
does anyone understand what importing bees into an area affect on the native bee populations?… just a thought.
seems like they would bully them out.
I’m all in favor of bees in the city. I may start with one hive and try it myself next year. I think we are in times of transformational change. As food from distant lands becomes more costly, supply is intermittent, and the quality continues to drop–I think more people will be tearing up their lawns and growing seasonal food. I think we’ll also see the advent of hoop houses and greenhouses on private lots to extend the growing season. Bees, chickens, and ducks will become part of this important transformation.
Tree guy, bumblebees are actually more hardy than honeybees. They fly, pollinate and collect nectar when honeybees can’t (they just don’t make honey in quantities that make it worthwhile for humans to “share.” Some greenhouses are starting to use bumblebees for pollination. I am not sure, but I don’t think honeybees are the bullying type. But your question is quite thoughtful.
B. Clark, national trends are showing that many people are thinking like you are. Growing food ourselves puts us in control, and I find that very appealing. It’s sort of micro-local! I’m curious how many GG readers are making choices to grow more of their own food, and what has prompted changes, if there are any.
Because I like to cook and fresh herbs are so expensive in the grocery store, I’m trying to grow parsley, basil and mint from seed. Who knew those seeds were so darn fine? Hard to work with for the clumsy farsighted person. The basil is up and doing OK so far in pots inside, the others just starting to germinate in a sunny window. We’ll see. I probably should have just opted for starter plants. I’m def going to plant more vegetables on the deck this year to save money on produce.
My neighbor is a beekeeper; she can’t have hives here in Fridley but keeps them at her parent’s farm. I think she mentioned trying to convince the city to let her have beehives here too. She gave me some honey last fall. It’s a huge benefit to have bees around; I can’t believe that people are worried about bees. I know PRI (Permaculture Research Institute) Cold-Climate is pushing for bees, chickens, etc. in the urban setting here in Minneapolis, in addition to urban vegetable farming. It just makes good sense.
I think it is great to have bee keepers be legal in gthe city. Bees are good.
Having local honey also is good for the person with allergies as the local honey is “made” from local pollen helping build up ones tollerance for local pollen. The allergic person can tolerate the honey the same way that people who can’t drink milk can eat yogurt as it has be “processed” into something that doesn’t trigger the reaction that the raw souce does.
I have allergys to bee stings so I definately would not want to keep bees nor would I want anyone in my neighborhood to keep bees
Greengirls Connie Nelson, Robyn Dochterman and Jaime Chismar are dishin' the dirt from the backyard garden and beyond. Whether you're a greenthumb or greenhorn, they're eager to learn from your misshaps, mistakes -- and most importantly, your sweet successes -- all growing season long.
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