Anybody know of a beekeeper that would loan out a small hive of honey bees for a short period of time?
I have 12 citrus trees of various sizes that are going to be LOADED with flowers this spring, (starting to bud now)
and would like to maximize my crop. I just got to thinking a week ago about this. I dont use any chemicals on the trees, (especially at this time of year,)
But mostly are organic if I do.
thanks,
Jerry
like to borrow a beehive in Spring Texas
You could contact members of The Texas Beekeepers Association, they might be able to help you.
http://www.texasbeekeepers.org/clubs/
Good luck
THANKS drthor, I will give them a try today!!
hopefully there will be someone interested in placing a small hive for me.
As you probably are aware, last year was a poor year for citrus, and ALL fruit tree production, but this year promises to be a "gullywasher" if i'm reading my trees correctly!
Jerry
My Washington Seedless Navel is about to burst and my Meyers Lemon is on it's second flush. I hope we dont get nailed with another freeze.
I feel your pain jujube, My trees did nothing in february/march last year, then in september, they just flushed with blossoms!
I figured they would all fall and produce nothing till this spring, but surprise of surprises, they set quite a few fruits! Now, they look like they are going to turn totally white with blossoms in a week or two! Go figure huh?
Best of luck with your weather over there.
Jerry
Well, it appears that the beekeeper clubs aren't interested in pollunating a small space like mine, does anyone know a novice beekeeper that might have an interest in placing a small hive for me?
I know that "orange honey" brings a premium price on the open market, and there can't be that many citrus groves in this part of Texas!
jerrytx
I do have lots of bees in my garden right now.
I have lots of daffodils blooming, roses and others ...
Couldn't you add some flowers to your garden so the bees come by themselves?
drthor; I have a lot of paperwhites, and 2 peach trees in full bloom, but haven't noticed a lot of bees yet.
I suspect that when the citrus blooms start to pop, they will come. I guess I am just trying to hedge my bet on a better crop this year.
the concern may be for naught, but we will see.
Thanks,
Jerry
Jerry,
I didn't have many bees a few years ago because my neighbors were using Scotts and Tru Green services. Even if they said they were doing"organic" I had problems with bees and all other insects.
The best things happened to me that both my neighbor stopped those services because thet couldn't afford it anymore.
Finally I have bees, dragonflies, tons of birds and other critters ... espicially earth worms ...
Good luck to ya
Jerrytx....To get bees started in your area next you, you might try planting some native fall asters. They draw honey bees in my yard more than any other plant. Also if you order some mason bees and put up a nesting area, they will help.
A few links I found.
http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Outdoor-Activities/Garden-for-Wildlife/Gardening-Tips/Build-a-Bee-House.aspx
http://www.butterfly-gifts.com/1121-mason-bee-house.html
http://habitat.ms11.net/bee/beehome.htm#_Solitary_Bee_House
This message was edited Mar 4, 2012 7:58 AM
Thanks Sheila! Since my last reply, I have acquired an abundance of honey bees on the property! Either, there is a wild hive, or a neighborhood apriarist near. All of my citrus is buzzing with bees! I did acquire a little data online that I beleive may help. I had a birdbath that was in an unhappy location, and for the most part, unused, so I moved it closer to the citrus and filled it with water. (even bees need water) I will try the Asters, just in case...
Thanks ALL!