Can't Bee-lieve this happened

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One of the things we love about the backyard farm is all that we are learning as we grow our own vegetables and raise our laying hens and ducks. The planting, the growing, the harvesting, the canning and freezing. Then there's the chickens and ducks; caring for the chicks and duckling, feeding cleaning, egg laying. We have learned so much.

One of the things we have been wanting to add to the farm is bees. For years we've heard about the benefits of locally harvested honey, especially for allergies. We're also aware of the benefits to flowers, vegetable gardens, and surrounding plant life. So naturally we've wanted to see bees on the farm-stead to help with our pollination and future honey production.

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Last summer, we picked up a starter hive kit, with plans to start our first hive. We did a bunch of research, started following some beekeepers, and began looking for or first queen. As we shopped around, we learned that we needed to do a little more research before making our purchase.

Then, unexpectedly, we were preparing to relocate. That put the bees on hold. We moved. We packed up the backyard farm, and moved. And to be honesty, we weren't really sure what this season of growing would look like. I mean, we knew we wanted to plant a few of our favorite vegetables, we just weren't sure how. Then an exciting opportunity came our way.

A number of months ago I was introduced to family who had a farm. As we talked, he shared how he had attempted to raise bees on the farm, but was unsuccessful. He had planned to try again this summer, and asked if I wanted to join him with my own hive and together we learn how to keep bees.

Last Friday, we welcomed our new bees to the farm. 

Through a connection made at church, I met a woman who raises bees. Over the last number of years, what started as a hobby has turned into a small business. She raises, breeds, gathers honey, and helps future beekeepers start their own hives. She came over with two brand new hives (nucs) to get us started.

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Watch the vlog

Click to watch Life in the Higham House

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Along with some tutoring, she helped us set up our two hives. It was fascinating. While the hives are up and running, there is still a lot that we have to learn about keeping bees. But that partly what the farm is all about, trying something new, learning, and sharing what we're doing to encourage someone else.

So come along with us as we start this new adventure with bees!

Be sure to join us for more from LIfe in the Higham House and Just Ducky Farm.

​- the higham family

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