Who is going to try Bumbles next year?

[Keith Benson]

If I can store enough pollen I am definitely trying to culture some bumbles next year. Is anyone else?

Keith

[MichaelW]

Pollen! Thanks for the reminder, I need to get my pollen traps on. Yes I want to give it a try next year. Just a few hives.

[Dan Williamson]

Where can I find info on getting a hive set up and buying the bees?

[Keith Benson]

Where can I find info on getting a hive set up and buying the bees?

http://befriendingbumblebees.com/

I have it, it is an easy read, clear and concise.

Keith

[dcross]

Seems all I have to do is leave some fiberglass insulation lay on the floor of my garage. Also had a colony in a winterkilled nuc this year until the ants overran it.

[JohnK and Sheri]

>>>If I can store enough pollen I am definitely trying to culture some bumbles next year<<<
So....am I to take it that they aren't self sufficient?
Sheri

[NW IN Beekeeper]

I don't need anything else to compete with my bees for nectar sources.

I've already got some really great hummingbird recipes - Honey Barbaque - Yum!!

-Jeff

[Keith Benson]

I don't need anything else to compete with my bees for nectar sources.

The competition from a few dozen to hundred bumbles wouldn't be a blip on your honeybees radar.

I've already got some really great hummingbird recipes - Honey Barbaque - Yum!!

Mmmmmmm, sounds like something that would be served at some swanky New=York eatery, and served on a huge expansive plate.

Keith

[dragonfly]

I wouldn't try to *keep* bumblebees, but I can recommend a great flower that they will visit readily and often for pollen. I planted an old variety of morning glory this year known as Grandpa Ott. Every morning, they are all over it.

[margot]

The bee balm and veronica that are normally covered with honeybees at this time of year have only bumble bee visitors--and lots of them. Do bumbles compete with honeybees?

[BerkeyDavid]

There are lots of nectar sources around me that are only visited by the bumbles. For example, the red clover and the teaseall.

I accidentally found a bumble bee nest tonight, I was checking the white sweet clover bloom and heard a real roar. I had stepped on the nest and about 10 bumbles came out to check things out.

I didn't explore it further cause I didn't have my suit on. But I wonder if it would be worthwhile to hive them and try to rent them out to some of the greenhouses around here?