Cart is empty 
This weekend, we suited up and got hands-on with our hives, as my daughter Shamiso, my sister Nyasha, and I dove into another chapter of our beekeeping journey. There’s something special about working with family in the apiary; it turns what could be routine hive inspections into memorable experiences filled with learning, laughter, and awe at nature’s precision.
Preparing for Inspection.
Before we even opened a hive, we went over our checklist—protective suits, gloves, smokers, and inspection tools. Shamiso, eager as always, helped set up the smoker and learned how to create a calm, steady smoke to keep our bees relaxed. Nyasha, who’s getting more confident with every inspection, took charge of organizing the equipment, making sure everything was ready before we opened the first hive.
Diving into the Hives
As we lifted the lids off the hives, Shamiso and Nyasha stood ready, taking mental notes as we inspected each frame. We looked for signs of healthy brood, honey stores, and the presence of a strong queen. It’s always exciting to point out to Shamiso how to spot the queen bee and to see her try to find the queen on her own. With Nyasha’s keen eye and growing confidence, she was able to identify capped brood and healthy larvae, marking another milestone in her beekeeping journey.
Observing Hive Health and Growth
This inspection was all about monitoring the health and productivity of our colonies. We noticed that a couple of the hives had strong pollen stores, indicating that our bees were foraging well, likely preparing for the upcoming months. However, in one hive, we observed a slightly smaller population, which could mean several things—from a weaker queen to possible pests or other stressors. Together, we discussed possible actions to support the hive, with Shamiso enthusiastically suggesting solutions she’d read about in her bee books.
Passing Down Beekeeping Knowledge
One of my favorite parts of these family hive inspections is teaching Shamiso the art of beekeeping. Passing on the knowledge of these hard-working bees and their vital role in our ecosystem to her, and even seeing her teach Nyasha little things along the way, is incredibly rewarding. Watching them both grow in confidence and understanding reminds me of how beekeeping is more than just a task; it’s a connection to nature, family, and tradition.
Wrapping Up
By the end of the day, we had completed our hive inspections, made notes on the status of each colony, and prepared plans to follow up on any hives needing extra attention. The work was fulfilling and reminded us all of the importance of patience, observation, and gentle care in beekeeping.
This weekend’s experience reaffirmed the joys of sharing this journey with my family. Through our “Beekeeping Chronicles,” Shamiso, Nyasha, and I are not just working with bees; we’re creating lasting memories, growing together, and learning the invaluable lessons nature offers. We’re already looking forward to the next inspection, with fresh insights, new goals, and plenty of honey to keep us inspired.
Stay tuned for more from the hives, and thank you for following our journey!