getting started in beekeeping

Why become a Beekeeper?

The benefits of becoming a Beekeeper, here’s how it will sweeten up your life.

Picture this: It’s a sunny afternoon, you suit up and wander down into your apiary in your backyard. Time s...

Nathan Stewart

minute read

The benefits of becoming a Beekeeper, here’s how it will sweeten up your life.

Picture this: It’s a sunny afternoon, you suit up and wander down into your apiary in your backyard. Time stands still. Your awareness is heightened. Your focus increases. All of your senses are captivated. As you tend to your bee colony you feel more connected with nature...plus there’s the sweet, sweet bonus of harvesting your very own honey. 

Sounds nice doesn’t it?

Urban and backyard beekeeping is becoming increasingly popular for people looking for an emotionally rewarding and intellectually challenging hobby. There are also heaps of tangible benefits to becoming a backyard Beekeeper too. Let’s take a look at some of them. 


That Sweet, Sweet Honey...

One of the obvious sweet perks that comes along with being a Beginner Beekeeper is the honey! You’ll be the envy of your friends and family when you begin harvesting your very own honey. Not only will you be able to enjoy it in the kitchen at home, but you’ll also be able to gift it to others or perhaps even sell it at your local markets. 

 

The Beeswax

If you’ve got bees, you’ve got beeswax too. There are so many different ways you can use beeswax. You can make candles, beeswax wraps, lip balms, polish furniture or lubricate wood, prevent tools from rusting...plus much more. Beeswax is a highly versatile product.  

 

It’s a Relaxing Hobby 

Beekeeping is a wonderfully relaxing hobby to take on. Once you’ve got the correct equipment and know what you’re doing, many beginner Beekeepers report feeling a sense of calm and tranquility when they tend to their colonies. Time slows down when you’re in an apiary, and it’s a wonderful way to unwind particularly if you have a busy work schedule. 

 

Low Maintenance Creatures 

Did you know Bee Colonies are super low maintenance? Unlike other animals like cats and dogs that have to be looked after when you go on holiday, bees can be left for months at a time to do their own thing. You’ll need to inspect your hive at least a few times a year in the warmer months,  but for the most part your colony will be self-sufficient. 

 

Connection to Nature and the Seasons

Lots of beginner Beekeepers are attracted to beekeeping to enhance their connection to nature and the seasons. Beekeeping is a wonderful learning experience. Over time you’ll discover the sophistication of a bee colony, known as a superorganism, because of its higher level of biological organization and how it behaves as a unit. It’s this sophistication that fascinates beekeepers and keeps them engaged and learning for many years.

 

The importance of Pollination

It’s no secret that pollinators are essential to our ecosystem. Our bees support biodiversity, and our agricultural output depends on them. Think about the blueberries and cherries you enjoy, did you know they are 90% dependent on honey bee pollination? Crazy! When you decide to become a Beekeeper, you are helping to give back to the Earth and support our ecosystem.  

Ready to jump into a bee suit yet? 

The benefits of Beekeeping are immense and there are little to no drawbacks. All you need to get started is a little education and the right equipment (and some bees of course!). But there’s no doubt that your life will become richer when you decide to take on backyard beekeeping.  

About Nathan Stewart

 I’m Nathan, a backyard urban Beekeeper that has grown to have 7 separate apiaries with around 40-50 hives. I’m based in far northern suburbs of Melbourne Australia at a place called Doreen and have hives in small suburban backyards, a local nursery & wellness centre, on large rural properties and even on the roof of a garage all within my local area.