Urbanites are taking up beekeeping across the world. Why? This is a very rewarding hobby. Not only do you get fresh, delicious honey, but you also are helping out your fellow urban gardeners. Honeybees are beneficial to gardens because they pollinate flowers. There have been some serious losses in the honeybee population in Europe and the United States so urban beekeeping can help stem the mysterious decline of the honeybees.
Before you decide to take up this hobby, I encourage you to look up your state law. Some states, like New York, currently ban beekeeping although that law has not stopped some people from setting up their own rooftop beehives. City Councilman David Yassky of Brooklyn introduced a bill this year that would legalize beekeeping so perhaps this ban will be lifted in the near future. See
Full Story.
Omlet, a UK company has developed the
Beehaus, a new and improved beehive specially designed for urban apiarists. These beehives will allow beekeepers to harvest up to a whopping 44 pounds of their own honey each year! That's a lot of honey!
On a side note... I saw this Beehive Composter at Gardener's Supply Company, and I had to share it with you. Isn't it adorable? I always thought of ways to hide my composter, but this composter is more like a cute accessory.
