I ’m a deviser , plain and simple . So , when I set up new hives , I favor to extenuate problems before my first bee computer software arrive . for sure , I have the usual questions . Like which commission should the hive expression ? Considering that the morning sun help get the beehive humming early , east or southeast are practiced options .
But that ’s just one facet when I instal apiary positioning and design . There are many others .
The Basics
First , when you establish an apiary , ask yourself how well you recognize the precise position of your own dimension lines . What about city or county ordinances and any applicable neighborhood covenant ? For my part , I searched local Geographic Information Systems records online , found my commonwealth parcel number and encounter my holding boundaries . farm animal and animal control ordinances were also available for me to check online .
These Geographic Information Systems , or GIS , disc ( including share info ) might also be available in your area . Here ’s one property to check . You should also be able to call your county recorder or local librarian to check on your dimension lines and relevant beekeeping practice of law .
When it comes to positioning your beehive , choose an out - of - the - way spot that ’s not too close to the property melodic phrase . It should also remain relatively juiceless during cockeyed weather and bring home the bacon some sorting of windbreak — such as tree diagram or shrubbery — near the N side of your urticaria .
The Neighbors
They say fences make undecomposed neighbors , and I recall they ’re great for apiaries , too . I erect telegram fencing around my hive — arrant with “ No Trespassing ” signboard . I allow for 5 to 6 feet of place between the front of the beehive and the front of the fence , because that ’s roughly the distance bee need to reach a vanish altitude of 5 foot . The issue ? If any funny neighborsdohappen to wind in front of the apiary , my flying bees will credibly already be well over their heads .
I also reserve about 5 infantry between the back of the hive and the back wall of the fencing . This give me elbow room to point behind my hive during inspection . Finally , I like to leave 2 to 3 human foot between the sides of the hive and the sides of my fencing . Watching the bees come and go is one of my best-loved pastimes , so having room for a small professorship by the side of the beehive is significant to me . My fencing also includes a 2- to 3 - foot - wide-eyed gate that can well lodge loads of beekeeping supplies and equipment .
Incidentally , to keep my neighbor glad , I ply them with fresh beloved and attempt to inspect my hives only when most tribe around me are at piece of work . ( Depending on your own neighbors ’ proximity , it also yield to keep any potential swarming shenanigans in impediment . ) If your hives are visible from the road , consider tot some fretwork panels or planting old maid flower , sunflowers and other tall , ambrosia - bearers to further sieve your apiary from opinion .
Susan Brackney
Finishing Touches
This year , I ’m trying my luck with a newfangled top bar hive that come with its own stand . If I were placing anyLangstrothhives in my new apiary , I ’d be sure to get up them with a brace of cement blocks . This keep the hive entry out of the guck during inclement conditions , but , more importantly , if a locoweed or other curious mammalian shit its path inside my fencing , it would need to stand up on its haunches to prey on my bee . That imply the animal ’s tummy — and other delicate bits — would be more exposed to my guard bees ’ stings . Not only do the bee get a better prospect to represent themselves , but would - be predators also have less clock time to clean out my hive .
Now , because my lowering clay grime does get doughy when it rain , I withdraw extra pains to shore up the country where my hive would seat . First , I prod a shallow depression and lined it with a layer of pea gravel . Then , I supply a layer of sand and topped that with a bed of soil . To finish , I lay in and leveled some scrap of sound fibre cement railroad siding that I had . The legs of my top prevention hive will stand on these reward turnout piece .
in the end , I wo n’t want to weed in or around my bee ’ enclosure after I establish an apiary . To egest the need , I bring a layer of cardboard beneath the fencerow , used weed barrier framework inside the fence in field and topped it with pine needles . ( If you like , you may also imbed early fountain - flowering crocus and snowdrop bulbs through slits in your weed barrier before you finish mulching . )
Susan Brackney
