For most people, September is a month devoted to scarves, warmer clothing, football and pumpkin spiced-everything. We think of the same things (except that here in Georgia you won't really hit sweater weather until the beginning of October). But for beekeepers like us September is more. It's National Honey Month!
What? You haven't heard of National Honey Month? Well grab a pencil and some paper, school's in session.
In 1989, the National Honey Board declared the month of September as National Honey Month as a way to promote the beekeeping industry, beekeeping in the United States and, of course, honey! We all know that honey is one of the most versatile foods known to mankind but unfortunately not everyone is as well informed and this month was meant to help remedy that.
September is significant to beekeepers in the United States because it generally marks the end of the honey collection season in most states.
Honey is an incredible substance and well deserving of a month devoted to it. It's a culinary staple with countless uses in the kitchen. Some even prefer honey to other forms of sugar due to the health benefits of pure, unfiltered honey. Additionally, it has powerful medicinal and beauty properties as well as being a fantastic source of pure energy to those leading active lives.
Here at Classic City Bee Company we try to do our part to celebrate National Honey Month by educating people about the magnificent, and embattled honey bee and encourage you to do the same.
There are so many things you can do to support bees and beekeeping. Unfortunately September is not the best month to take up gardening but you can begin making preparations to plant pollinator-friendly plants in the Spring. If you do maintain a garden, or even a few outdoor plants that a honey bee might be inclined to frequent, be careful to avoid the harmful use of pesticides which could be toxic to honey bees. You can also consider getting into beekeeping yourself. It is a growing hobby that many, including myself, consider to be fascinating and, in an odd way, relaxing. You will not be able to star a hive until the Spring but you can put your order with a local queen breeder in now for your bees. Finally, you can consume more honey by using it as a substitute in your cooking for other sweeteners. The average American consumes markedly less honey now than they did even a couple decades ago. If people began using it more, beekeepers would have a greater incentive to grow their colonies and help replenish the disappearing bee population. You can always stock up in our online store.
However you choose to celebrate, make sure to spend some time this month to spread the word and help educate people about the importance of the honey bee and the honey industry. We'll do our part if you do yours.
