Lance asks: I know bees are becoming endangered here and thought it might help to start a hive on my property. Any suggestions?
Lance asks: I know bees are becoming endangered here and thought it might help to start a hive on my property. Any suggestions?
Tropical Gardener Answer: What a good way to celebrate Earth Day this year by raising bees. You are right; many bee species are currently threatened by diseases, insect attacks, toxic pesticides and habitat losses. As long as you become well informed about these issues and the ways to raise healthy bees, beekeeping can be fun and profitable while adding much needed pollinators to Kona.
Bee pollination is critical to the production of many Hawaiian crops including, coffee, citrus, mac nuts, lychee, squashes and tomatoes. Many native plants also depend on bee pollination for seed production. Ohia, a’ali’i, naupaka and ilima are just a few natives that the bees visit. In fact, all flowering plants rely on pollinators in order to produce seeds for the next generation. Honeybee pollination is also credited with increasing crop weight and quality as well as yields. We need bees.
On Earth Day, from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, the Friends of the Library in Kona (FOLK) is sponsoring a presentation on beekeeping as part of the Community Seed Library series. Anyone interested in the latest information on bees and beekeeping should attend.
Ed Fenzl will discuss current bee issues and ways to help support these valuable pollinators. To this end he will present the basics of beekeeping as well as ways to construct hives for healthy bees. His handout “References and Resources for Beekeeping” will include plans for building beehives as well as places to purchase beehive kits and finished beehives. It will also give information on beekeeping services and educational resources.
In the second part of Fenzl’s presentation, he will demonstrate three hives constructed primarily with recycled wood and offer comparison of these to conventional hives. For more information on this presentation go to https://www.librarieshawaii.org/branch/kailua-kona-public-library and scroll through the descriptions of upcoming events.
Several bee support organizations exist. Big Island Beekeepers (www.bigislandbeekeepers.com) is a Hilo-based organization that offers regular meetings and classes for beekeepers.
You can check out the University of Hawaii Honeybee Project at www.uhbeeproject.com. They are committed to promoting sustainable farming and beekeeping practices in Hawaii. They advise on using low toxic methods for pest control while encouraging the incorporation of bee-friendly plants, especially flowers, into your garden. You can download their “Introduction to Tropical Beekeeping” at the website.
The Hawaii Apiary Program is part of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture at www.hdoa.hawaii.gov/bees. They offer help to beekeepers and information on many topics.
Do go ahead with your plan to become a beekeeper. You and the community will reap many rewards.
Email plant questions to konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu for answers by Certified Master Gardeners. Some questions will be chosen for inclusion in this column.
Gardening Events
Monday: “Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Monthly Meeting,” 7 to 9 p.m. at West Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers office 81-6393 Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua. Eli Ednie will talk about his recent plant hunting trip in Indonesia. For more information contact Brian Lievens, president West Hawaii Chapter, at 895-8753 or greenwizard@hawaii.rr.com.
Wednesday: “Coffee Crop Insurance Listening Session,” 9 to 10 a.m. USDA is seeking feedback on crop insurance program for coffee. The conference call number is (888) 844-9904; Access Code 8604877. For more information, contact Risk Management Specialist, Kale Horton at 816-823-2883 or email kale.horton@rma.usda.gov.
Friday &Saturday: “Maona Community Market,” 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days at 84-5097 Keala o Keawe Road off Highway 160 (Puuhonua o Honaunau Road) on the left just before Painted Church Road. Check it out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/maonacommunitygarden/. More information by contacting maonacommunitygarden@gmail.com or Bridget and Leisha at 430-8568 or 989-4780 or Chantal at 937-9800.
“Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden,” 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Garden Visitor Center across from the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook. Volunteers will be able to help with garden maintenance and are invited to bring a brown bag lunch. Water and snacks provided. Call Peter at 323-3318 for more information.
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: “Sunset Farmers Market,” 2 p.m. to sunset at the north makai corner of the Kmart parking lot
Wednesday &Friday: “Ho’oulu Farmers Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay
Friday: “Pure Kona Market,” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
Saturday: “Keauhou Farmers Market,” 8 a.m. to noon at Keauhou Shopping Center
“Kamuela Farmer’s Market,” 7 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables
Sunday: “Pure Kona Green Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
Tuesday–Saturday: “U-Pick greens and produce,” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tropical Edibles Nursery, Captain Cook
Plant Advice Lines Anytime: konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu
Tuesdays &Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu, 322-4892
Mondays, Tuesdays &Fridays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES at Komohana in Hilo, 981-5199 or himga@hawaii.edu