[marant]

I am a new beekeeper, planning on having only a few hives. I have an opportunity to build a small beeyard (15x20) and am interested in what features I should include or avoid. My thought is to make it generally level, exposed to full sun with a southern exposure. I am thinking about placing a sheet of 6mil plastic on bare ground, held down by turf staples, in the hope that denying small hive beetles an easy way to get to the dirt will reduce their population. I will probably cover the plastic with crushed rock.

Do you think any of this will make a difference? In my ignorance what am I missing? In central Texas will it be too hot in the summer (a year or so ago we had 60+ consecutive days over 100)?

 

[JustinH]

I'd say you have a sound plan and that's exactly what I did.

 

[marant]

Justin

What has been your experience with shb since you built your yard? How long has it been in?

Mike

 

[JustinH]

Mike, I'm brand new. In fact I'll be installing my first packages today after work. I'm very excited.

 

[jim81147]

I would also consider putting it somewhere with a natural windbreak if available . Cold winter winds can hurt the hives .

 

[marant]

Maybe if we are lucky some of the Guru Beeks will let us know if we are ok, or all wet!

 

[enjambres]

Guru beek I am not. But as a horticulturist I think I would put down a layer of permeable landscape fabric (either needle punch or woven polypropylene) instead of plastic below the crushed rock. This will allow both air and water to flow through the material and reach the soil. This will help avoid both excess run-off and ponding in depressions, while protecting the viability of soil microbiota below the fabric.

I should think that light colorerd stone would be better than dark stone in managing heat in TX. (But it all seems extremely hot to me - not sure about the bees, but won't you need asbestos shoes in such a set-up?)

Enjambres

 

[TxGypsy]

Get your bees up off the ground if you have fireants. Provide western shade if possible.....it's hot in Texas! I place linoleum underneath my hives. It blocks grass so I don't have to mow close to my hives. Also, I put a ring of tractor grease around the legs of my hive stands to foil the fireants and the linoleum makes sure that grass doesn't grow up and touch the hives to provide a bridge for ants.

Keep your hives strong to combat the beetles. There is a fine balancing act between a crowded hive(that will think about swarming) and a good strong hive that will effectively deal with beetles.

 

[Nabber86]

Whatever you do, don't make it look like this.

 

[JustinH]

Why not nabber? That looks pretty cozy to me. I'd hang out there anytime.

 

[Vance G]

good protection from the wind with full sun surrounded by five square miles of honeyplants.

 

[woodyard]

I second the good windbreak. Only after you have more than one apiary do see the difference it can make.

 

[Nabber86]

I'd hang out there anytime.

Try it for a couple of seasons and get back to me on how it worked out.

 

[jwcarlson]

Well... what happened?

 

[philip.devos]

I'd say you have a sound plan and that's exactly what I did.
View attachment 9875

Justin, Nice layout and I like the "roofs" on your hives. What is the material of the roof?

Phil

 

[EastSideBuzz]

Only true beekeepers put chairs near bee hives. Nice.

 

[scorpionmain]

Only true beekeepers put chairs near bee hives. Nice.

I'm lazy, got a hammock in mine.
lol