beekeeping in Jefferson County

Does anyone know if there any restrictions against keeping bees in the County?
My neighborhood does not have any deed restrictions.

Thanks,
Sarita

I keep two hives of bees on about 2 acres in Louisville Metro. It has been a while since I called, but if I am not mistaken I think Metrocall said you can have up to 5 hives of bees in Jefferson County.

Good luck if you decide to embark in the very rewarding and fascinating hobby!!

Hi Sarita,

I am also interested in starting a hive, so this is something I have actually been researching lately. Two websites that have been of great assistance to me are:

The Kentucky State Beekeepers Association: http://www.ksbabeekeeping.org/default.htm

Kentuckiana Beekeepers Association: http://www.kyanabees.com/
(Louisville Based Group Meets Monthly)

Be sure to research plenty of supply places before you purchase your first set. Prices can vary greatly; some places are more than twice as much as others. Also, you may want to check with the local groups and see if you can score a gently used set and/or even an established hive.

Good luck and happy keeping!
-Beth

Nicole,

If you dont mind me asking how large is your property? We are worried about the neighbors taking offense to us putting in a hive.

Thanks for the info folks btw!

Best,
Sarita

Well,

Almost two years later and we have purchased our first hive. It's in about a bazillion pieces in the garage waiting for assembly that will start later this week or certainly before May 22nd when we have to pick up the bees. (lesson number one...pay the 40 bucks for assembly)

We went out to Walter T. Kelly Company. They have quite and operation out there and employ 60 folks. Really nice people and they were more than happy to give us a tour yesterday. Back in the bee yard they had about 15 hives. Even if you are not interested in keeping bees it'd be worth a trip out there for foodie information fun. Do it on a weekday though...they say they are swamped on Saturdays when they close early.

We took photos of our property to have the bee guy tell us where it would be best to place the hive and answered all of our current questions. I'm sure we will have many more very soon. We also purchased a beekeeping for dummies book.

I'm looking most forward to the benefits to the garden.

Hope all is well,
Sarita

Anyone know of a place to buy local honey? My allergies are nutso this year and I want to work on control efforts!

Anyone know of a place to buy local honey? My allergies are nutso this year and I want to work on control efforts!

Bardstown Road Farmers Market. I'd guess that places like Doll's may also carry it.

Bardstown rd for sure. For allergies, its best to get some that was produced within fifteen to twenty miles from where you live to have the best effect. Also possible Ralph and Kathy from Misty Meadows farm may have some. Ill check today when I see them at Phoenix Hill farmers market this afternoon 3 to 6 at the Felice/Bodega complex(old mellios spot).

Garden Gate has some labeled "Fern Creek Honey".

Paul's on US 22 at Herr Lane sells 2 or 3 varieties. One of them was from a neighbor about 1/2 block away. Hard to get more local than that as the bee's were in my yard too.

I recently bought a honey made in MorningView, KY (where ever that is) called Spille's honey. It is amazing. Beautiful, fair color almost clear when it comes out of the bottle with just a delicate hint of amber. Wonderful flavor. Unfortunately I can't remember where I bought it.

[Robin Garr]

Anyone know of a place to buy local honey? My allergies are nutso this year and I want to work on control efforts!

Heine Brothers sells it - at Frankfort Avenue for sure, and I assume all their shops.

Anyone know of a place to buy local honey? My allergies are nutso this year and I want to work on control efforts!

Bardstown rd farmers market or the Phoenix Hill farmers market. I had a customer yesterday at Phoenix Hill market who had a young girl with her. The girl kept picking up plants to show Mom, so Mom gave her the quart jar of honey to hold onto...well it wasn't very long till said honey ended up in a honey "slick" on the ground in my spot. Luckily I had some sand to cover up the mess...the ants will be happy.