Not everyone can realize the dream of their own bee colony. But why not? After all, bees can now even be kept on the balcony.
For a long time, beekeeping was only for people living in the countryside. But as is always the case, there is often a trend reversal. Techniques change, possibilities too and so bees can even be kept on the balcony today. And that even in the middle of the city. What was considered impossible years ago is now booming.
Reasons for the boom
The reason for the boom is very simple: A study by the Freie Universität Berlin (to be found at www.tagesschau.de) shows, for example, that more and more greenery is being cleared in rural areas, fewer catch crops are being cultivated and meadows are being used more frequently mowed before flowering. From July onwards, the bees often only find areas that are free of blossoms. The result: the bees starve and die in the middle of summer. According to Greenpeace reports, pesticides are also making bee deaths worse and worse. It's actually better for the bees in the city. Here you will find allotments, avenues, green roof terraces, parks and much more. It's hard to believe, but the bees also live he althier lives in the city because there is a greater variety of flowers and the use of less pesticides.
So why not keep bees on the balcony and give something back to nature? It's actually child's play. You just need to get a little knowledge and enjoy beekeeping. These are the most important prerequisites for successful beekeeping. Positive side effect: You can harvest your own honey.
Honey is not the only thing that attracts many hobby beekeepers. Harvesting the so-called royal jelly yourself can also be an incentive. This is the food of the queen bees. Now what is so special about it? It is one of nature's most valuable treasures and is full of vitamins. It also has antibacterial and antibiotic properties. And not only that. It helps against many diseases and generally has a positive influence on the human body. Further information can be found e.g. at geleeroyal.net.
Benefitsoverview of city beekeepers
People who live in the city often try to bring country life home. Roof terraces are laid out, balcony boxes are planted and bees are kept. There are many good reasons for this:
large flower offer:
Even if there are no meadows and fields in the city, bees will find many parks, roof terraces, allotment gardens, balcony plants and even flowers on traffic islands.
no pesticides:
No pesticides are sprayed against insects or genetically modified crops are grown in the city.
higher temperature:
The climate in the city is on average 3 degrees warmer than in the surrounding area. This means that city bees are out and about earlier and longer than in the country.
more honey:
City bees produce more honey than bees in the countryside, according to studies.
How does it work with beekeeping on the balcony?
❶ Inform landlord/neighbors:
Anyone who has decided to take responsibility for bees must first inform their landlord and neighbors about the plan. As wild animals, bees are generally not mentioned in leases. So there is a gray area here. It is therefore better to ask your landlord whether you are allowed to keep bees on the balcony or not. Not that there's going to be any trouble afterwards.
If your landlord allows beekeeping, then of course you also have to inform your neighbors about it. Anyone who can shine with knowledge here and has an answer ready to all questions shows that they are very familiar with the topic. That puts many neighbors mildly. Whoever then promises them a glass of honey will surely have them on their side.
❷ Inform in detail/take courses:
Keeping bees on the balcony should be carefully considered. You don't just get a pet overnight. So be sure to research the subject thoroughly. It is also advisable to take a practical course. You can find out where you can take courses, e.g. at www.stadtbienen.org.
❸ Buy bee box and accessories:
In order to be able to keep bees on the balcony, you need a so-called bee box. This is a box that fits perfectly on the balcony and can even be attached to the railing. It is a mobile construction where the cover is opened upwards and the honeycomb can be removed in frames. The bees can build their own comb and also hibernate on their own honey. The great thing: TheBeeBox gives you a direct insight into the colony. You also need a beekeeping set that contains the basic things you need for beekeeping on the balcony. Then you can get started.
So first of all you need to invest some money. But it will definitely be worth it, because with the bee box you can harvest up to 15 kg of honey a year. In addition, you are committed to nature and animal protection. You can find out exactly how the bee box works at www.bienenbox.de. Here is another interesting post:
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Conclusion:
No longer do you have to have a garden to be able to keep bees. A balcony is enough for that. You not only benefit from this, but also the environment. They promote bee conservation and contribute to the fact that a species-rich nature is preserved through the pollination activity of honey bees. In return, they receive delicious honey and can observe a great natural spectacle every day.