Expansion?

Over the past few weeks I have been considering increasing my number of hives to six, or possibly a few more.

In the past, whilst working, I always said that "four is enough," but now I'm retired I have the time to care for more colonies. I already have the necessary equipment, AND I can take a snooze whenever I like too!

So, I'm thinking about expanding, in a very small way.

I make a reasonable amount of money from my hives, but nowhere near enough to live on. They provide a nice little trickle of cash that cover beekeeping costs, the occasional takeaway, and the odd day out clay pigeon shooting.  

Increasing the number of colonies, won't actually be much more effort, apart from that involved in extracting the honey crop. In real terms doubling my number of hives will probably only add an extra three or four days of effort each year.

So what is driving my thoughts on expansion? I seem to be selling an increased amount of honey from my little roadside stall, and there are a few other potential outlets for me to explore too. Honey also doesn't go off, so having a reserve supply would be a useful buffer if I suffer a poor harvest ... or if sales go crazy!*

On the subject of honey sales, a few weeks ago a lady, of Vietnamese origin, called by and purchased ten jars of honey over a three day period.  She called in again yesterday, asking for another ten jars! I advised that I was midway through bottling a batch and that more would be available today.  

At nine clock this morning she pulled up at the gate and took away ten jars. Her fiancé grinned a little sheepishly, and advised that she really loves my honey. Apparently a couple of jars will be heading over to Vietnam with her parents, when they return home later this month.

Mind you, that wasn't the last of it! By the end if the day I had sold another five jars,  making fifteen in total ... At this rate I'll be bottling again by Friday.

In other news, my main focus today was to set up a new water butt. 30% acquired a lovely little butt from an acquaintance in the village via Facebook. This morning I spent a happy hour constructing a lid from a few scraps of wood. I then headed in to Redditch to pick up a rainwater diverter kit.  It will come as no surprise that the afternoon was spent siting the butt, and fitting the diverter kit to a conveniently located down pipe. 

After a successful test, I can report that I have a good flow** in to the butt. All I need to do now is fit another couple of down pipe brackets and then declare the job completed.

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* A reserve supply will also reduce the amount I buy in bulk from Beekeeper Pete. I still make a decent margin as a reseller of his stock, but I'd be daft not to make the best profit possible.

** At 61 any good flow is a welcome surprise!