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Here at Sol Nectar we love learning about history. We even visited the Agricultural Museum in Boonsboro to learn all about the beginnings of beekeeping in Maryland. Here is what we learned:


Beekeeping in Maryland stretches back to the early colonial days when settlers brought European honey bees (Apis mellifera) to the New World. These industrious insects quickly adapted to their new environment, becoming essential to both agriculture and local ecosystems. Beekeeping practices have evolved over the centuries, from simple skeps made of straw, to modern, sophisticated hives designed for optimal honey production and bee health.


In the 19th century, Maryland saw a significant rise in commercial beekeeping. Innovations such as the Langstroth hive, introduced in 1851, revolutionized the industry by making it easier to manage bees and harvest honey without destroying the colony. Beekeepers began to understand the importance of bee health and started to focus on breeding programs, disease management, and sustainable practices.


Today, Maryland boasts a thriving community of beekeepers, ranging from hobbyists with a few hives to large-scale commercial operations. The state supports these endeavors with educational programs, research initiatives, and regulatory frameworks aimed at protecting both bees and their keepers. Beekeeping associations provide a platform for enthusiasts to share knowledge, advocate for bee-friendly policies, and promote the importance of bees in pollinating crops and maintaining biodiversity. Now in current times , the "Save the Bees" initiative has created bee-friendly beekeepers like Sol Nectar, who create specialized workshops and programs to teach bee advocates the importance of keeping bees, with the honeybee's best interests in mind to ensure a strong and bright future for Apis mellifera in Maryland.


As concerns over pollinator decline grow, Maryland's beekeepers are more vital than ever. They play a crucial role in raising awareness about the challenges bees face, such as habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Through their efforts, they help ensure that these remarkable insects continue to thrive, securing a sweet future for generations to come.




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Becoming a new beekeeper can seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, it can be a richly rewarding hobby. Here are some key steps to help you embark on your beekeeping journey:


  • Educate Yourself: Begin by reading books, watching youtube videos, and attending workshops about beekeeping. Researching and understanding the basics of bee biology, hive management, and the seasonal activities of bees BEFORE you get started is crucial.

  • Beekeeping Goals: Know your "Why." What is the motivation behind why you want to begin beekeeping? Is it to help bees, pollinate flowers or crops, get honey or wax, or simply to enjoy this fascinating creature. Whatever your "Why" is, research it, and the methods and experiences of others who feel the same way.

  • Join a Local Beekeeping Class or Club: Connecting and learning from experienced beekeepers can provide invaluable insights and support. Look on google, facebook or in your local health food stores to find beginner workshops, classes, mentorship programs, and the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities.

  • Check Local Regulations: Before setting up your beehive, ensure you’re aware of local laws and regulations regarding beekeeping. Some areas may have restrictions or require permits.

  • Choose the Right Location for Your Hive: Your bees need a safe, dry spot with access to plenty of forage. Make sure the hive is placed where it won’t disturb neighbors or pets, and where it gets morning sunlight and is protected from strong winds.

  • Purchase Equipment: Acquire the necessary equipment, including a beehive (learn more about different style hivebodies in our upcoming blogpost), hive stand, protective clothing-(if you wish), smoker, hive tool, and bee brush. It's essential to invest in quality equipment to ensure your safety and the well-being of your bees. solnectarfarm.com has everything you need to get started on your beekeeping journey.

  • Buy Your Bees: You can start with a package of bees, a nucleus colony (nuc), or an established colony in the springtime. Do research to know what is best for you. solnectarfarm.com sells package bees and nucleus colonies. Purchasing bees from us will ensure that you get started with a healthy colony. We are a one stop shop for bees and beekeeping services and supplies.

  • Install Your Bees: Once you have your bees and equipment, it’s time to install them in their new home. Follow instructions carefully to ensure a smooth transition for the bees. There are many youtube videos on how to correctly install a package or a nuc. solnectarfarm.com also offers delivery and install as an option when purchasing package bees or nucleus colonies from us.

  • Monitor and Maintain: Regularly inspect your hive to check that your queen and colony is healthy and/or for signs of disease, pests, or other issues. Checking for eggs, larva and capped brood as well as honey are key parts of a good hive inspection. Keep track of the hive’s progress and make adjustments as needed to support the health and productivity of your colony. Researching natural hive management is key in the health and longevity of your honeybee colony, if you would like to learn more, go ahead and ask us!

  • Honey Harvest? (if applicable): If your goal is to collect honey, in your first year, the focus should be on establishing a strong colony rather than harvesting honey. In subsequent years, you can enjoy the sweet rewards of your labor by carefully extracting excess honey, never taking more than the bees can afford.

  • Continual Learning: Beekeeping is a continuous learning process. Stay updated with the latest practices, attend workshops, and engage with the beekeeping community to enhance your knowledge and skills.


By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming a confident and successful beekeeper, contributing to the health of the environment and reaping the sweet benefits of your efforts. Happy beekeeping!






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In my experience 9/10 times that honeybees present themselves as "mean" or "aggressive" its a symptom of some as of yet unknown underlying issue. Underlying issues could be things such as nocturnal predation (for example skunks eating your bees under cover of darkness) yes it is a thing or vandalism.. (kids with too much time on their hands.. throwing rocks at the honeybee hive(s)body) yup that's a thing too. It could also be loud lawn mowers, or far more frequently we must look to ourselves as the culprits of their behavior. Yes, rushing through inspections, rolling bees who waft distressed bee pheromones, clanking frames, crackling propolis etc. What does the rushed inspection look like to the colony? A hungry bear perhaps? Next time consider approaching the colony as if you are a surgeon, take your time, be respectful, take an extra 2-3 seconds to loosen the inner cover or free the frames from the grip of propolis slowly, mindfully lift the frames taking care not to zero them out against the hive body. Pretend, perhaps you are a bear with no fur or claws, working without a suit of armor, no protective gear, bee the gentle beekeeper & your honeybees will return the favor.


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