North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Tim Inman" <Tim@historicinteriors.com>]

Why not become a beekeeper yourself?

I'm starting into my 3d season with my own honeybees.  I wish someone had 
shown me this 'hobby' decades ago.  It is the most fun, the honey is 
delicious, and I just have a ball at it virtually all year long.  They are 
so very very interesting. Always something to learn, a new experience, etc. 
They are SO gentle - they're not trying to find an excuse to sting.  My wife 
kept her own hive for the first time last year, and she had a great time at 
it, too.  I would just urge everybody with fruit or gardens or a little 
adventure in their hearts to give it a try.

Right now is the time to start, so if you're on the fence about it, try one 
hive this year and see if you like it.  Videos by Keith Delaplane started 
me.  They really simplify and take you right through the first year.  Go for 
it!

Tim Inman


> Nothing's in bloom yet in Massachusetts, but I haven't seen honey bees in 
> years.  I have seen lots of bumble bees in various sizes, and I've 
> had good pollination, even of early stuff.
>
> I emcourage vetch and other weeds that flower off-season from my fruit 
> crops, in the hopes that will help keep the bumblebees happy.
>
> -- Ginda