Out Apiary Suitability

[Sir Quej]

ok, so last night I arranged with a local farm that I could use some of their land as an out apiary.....

The farmer said that when i want to move my hives onto the land, to speak to him and he will show me the various locations that I am ok to use.

The farm is in an area that has lots of fields and crops within a 2-3 miles radius so forageing shouldnt be an issue (there is a big rhubard farm just up the road, a strawberry farm and loads of other crop fields)

Apart from the obvious ones like, away from the animals, out of view from local kids etc, what other considerations should I be, well, considering?

Do they need to be south facing or anything? That sort of thing?

Thansk for any advice

 

[Luminos]

Not sure the rhubarb farm will be much use - rhubarb's grown in the dark

 

[susbees]

Quite. Forget the fields and crops. Consider wild verges, hedges, trees like willow and hazel, gardens with old fashioned flowers, veg patches where some things are left to go to seed in the spring, soft and top fruit.

Then the rest like security, access, not too damp, sheltered, fly out not over paths and bridleways etc etc.

 

[peteinwilts]

not too damp, QUOTE]

a herd of next doors cows got into one of my apiarys last winter. They used the hives as rubbing posts (and gave my winter gale\hurricane protection a good run for their money!)

they churned the ground up good and proper. The paving slabs the bees sit on are still high and dry, although I had to do some wading when visiting a couple of hives during our horrible summer and the ground extremly sticky.

I find the easier spots to acquire are damp, or swampy parts in the corner of a damp field.
If the farmer has livestock, it is normally already fenced off, or if crops or grass, it is the area that is avoided.

when looking for out apiarys, I find the farmer is glad the damp area that he cannot use, can be put to use.
Apart from muddy areas caused from invading cows, the damp area normally has high spots where the ground is plenty firm enough. The vegetation will give away how wet the ground gets.

when looking for out apiarys, beware flood plains...

 

[Sir Quej]

Not sure the rhubarb farm will be much use - rhubarb's grown in the dark

this Rhubarb is in open Fields Its dark on a night ??

 

[Luminos]

this Rhubarb is in open Fields Its dark on a night ??

Yes, it's dark here too after dusk

 

[Sir Quej]

the added benefit of this location for an apiary is that they run a very popular farm shop from the location....... i'm sensing a honey selling opportunity here.....

 

[victor meldrew]

Not sure the rhubarb farm will be much use - rhubarb's grown in the dark

The guy's in Yorkshire where rhubarb is grown as a field crop as well as forced in sheds
VM

 

[thorn]

The guy's in Yorkshire where rhubarb is grown as a field crop as well as forced in sheds
VM

And then there's the feral rhubarb, along the motorway embankments.

 

[Sir Quej]

The guy's in Yorkshire where rhubarb is grown as a field crop as well as forced in sheds
VM

Maybe it because it's always "A bit Grimm up norf"

 

[victor meldrew]

Maybe it because it's always "A bit Grimm up norf"

You're obviously on the wrong side of the hill?
VM

 

[Luminos]

The guy's in Yorkshire where rhubarb is grown as a field crop as well as forced in sheds
VM

Ah well I'm only used to soft southern rhubarb, y'see

 

[roche]

South facing is good. Some shelter from the NW, N & NE but not shade is also good...

 

[itma]

Maybe it because it's always "A bit Grimm up norf"

Isn't that just a fairy tale ....


Suggest you start with a minimal presence, while you assess what the pro's and cons might turn out to be.
Water availability during dry times is an important factor for the bees.
You'll discover what's important to you, as you go along!

 

[Dusty Rhodes]

I like rhubarb.


Gives you a good run for your money.

Dusty

 

[Anduril]

Consider also hedge cutting I use areas where the farmer doesn't trim. I do it instead, also I leave a line of nettles, it acts as good camouflage for the hives during the summer and takes the bees to just about head height.

 

[Anduril]

I like rhubarb.


Gives you a good run for your money.

Dusty

The bees like it as well. Your avatar

 

[Luminos]

The bees like it as well. Your avatar

Don't look at me, Dusty - I've no idea what he means

 

[Anduril]

don't look at me, dusty - i've no idea what he means
:d

lol

 

[victor meldrew]

I like rhubarb.


Gives you a good run for your money.

Dusty

Varroa doesn't
VM