Bees Please! Beecharming 101

Bees Please! Beecharming 101

Beekeeping 101: Why Bees Matter & How We Care for Them


At Emerald Hive and Honey, we’re not just in the business of sweet treats and beeswax goodies—we’re in the business of caring for one of nature’s most important creatures: the honeybee.


Whether you're bee-curious or considering starting your own hive, here’s a beginner-friendly guide to beekeeping basics and a look at why bees are essential to all of us.


 


🐝 Why Bees Are So Important


Bees are tiny pollination powerhouses. As they move from flower to flower gathering nectar, they spread pollen—an essential process that helps plants grow, reproduce, and produce food.


🌻 In fact, 1 in every 3 bites of food we eat depends on pollination, and bees are responsible for pollinating crops like apples, almonds, blueberries, and more.


But their impact goes far beyond farms. Bees also support healthy ecosystems by helping wild plants thrive, which feeds wildlife and supports biodiversity. In short: when bees thrive, we all thrive.


 


🧑🌾 Beekeeping Basics


Beekeeping, or apiculture, is the practice of maintaining bee colonies in man-made hives. Here are a few key things to know:


1. The Hive Structure


A typical hive includes:


  • A queen – the heart of the hive, laying up to 2,000 eggs per day.

  • Worker bees – all female, they gather nectar, build honeycomb, care for the queen, and guard the hive.

  • Drones – male bees whose main job is to mate with a queen.


 2. The Equipment


Some essential tools of the trade:


  • Hive boxes (often called Langstroth hives)

  • Bee suits and gloves for safe handling

  • Smokers, which help calm the bees

  • Hive tools to gently inspect and maintain the hive


 3. Bee Care Year-Round


Beekeeping isn’t just a summer activity! We check on our bees in every season:


  • Spring & Summer: The busiest time—bees are foraging, making honey, and growing the colony.

  • Fall: We harvest honey and ensure the hive is ready for cooler weather.

  • Winter: We let the bees rest and focus on keeping the hive warm and healthy.


 


🌿 How You Can Help Bees


Even if you’re not a beekeeper, you can support bees in simple ways:


  • Plant pollinator-friendly flowers (think lavender, sunflowers, and wildflowers)

  • Avoid pesticides and herbicides

  • Support local beekeepers (thank you for supporting us!)

  • Educate others about the importance of pollinators


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At Emerald Hive and Honey, we believe beekeeping is about more than honey—it’s about stewardship. When we care for our bees, we’re caring for our food system, our environment, and future generations.


Thanks for being part of our hive. 💛

Stay tuned for more tips, events, and behind-the-scenes looks at life with the bees!


With sweetness,

Veronica

Owner & Beekeeper, Emerald Hive and Honey

 

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