Spring is finally here, and that means it's finally peak beekeeping season. Now's the perfect time for making changes to your apiary or home beekeeping practices, including going organic. Organic beekeeping can be a bit tricky, but can help you make a bit of extra money, since people are usually willing to pay a premium for raw organic honey, organic bee pollen, organic royal jelly, and more. Use these tips to help your organic beekeeping this spring.
Know Your Environment
In some situations, genuinely going "organic" might not be entirely possible. Not all climates are suitable for organic beekeeping, and that's okay. There are still plenty of ways to keep your hives safe and healthy even if raising them organically isn't a realistic option. Take the time to learn as much as you can about your climate and other environmental conditions that might impact your apiary and your bees, as well as the plants surrounding them. At the end of the day, the most important thing is keeping your bees safe, even if you have to use non-organic methods to do that.
Consider The Plants
Even if you're using all organic components in raising your bees, have you considered what kinds of plants they are pollinating? Bees are pollinators and are responsible for cross-pollination, which helps at least 30% of crops and 90% of wild plants thrive. However, not all of those crops are raised without pesticides or other non-organic compounds. If your bees are accessing non-organic crops for pollen and nectar, they won't be producing truly organic honey. Pay attention to what flowers and plants are attracting your bees to keep your products organic. Talk to your neighbors and farmers in the area to see if going organic is truly an option.
Label Honestly
To be fully organically Not all organic products are created equal, and that's not always the fault of the beekeeper or farmer. The meanings of "organic" can vary and often aren't very well-defined, meaning many farmers and beekeepers use the word "organic" or "all-natural" without having the practices to back it up. Make sure any language you're using on your packaging is honest about the practices you're using for your apiary.
Organic beekeeping can be tricky, but having the right supplies and knowledge can help. To learn more about organic beekeeping and to stock up on beekeeping supplies, contact GloryBee today.