Delco, North Carolina
The Honey Bee Farm
Conveniently located only 15 minutes from Wilmington! Contact us if you need Ken to come catch a swarm. We also sell queens, nucleus colonies, bee pollen, bee wax, and wholesale honey upon request. Contact us to learn more!
Nucleus Hive Exploration with Ken
Watch Ken Catch A Swarm!
New Queen emerging from her queen cell.
Finding the queen in an observation HIVE.
Meet Our Master Beekeeper: Ken Edgar
Hey, how’s it going? Anything and everything you want to know about beekeeping, I am your guy. I usually start off by telling people I was tricked into beekeeping about 20 years ago. When asked to take the class, I thought, “You must be crazy, we are going to get stung to death!” But, I’m still here...
Background: I moved to Wilmington from a small town in Indiana when I was ten years old. After high school, I was active duty in the United States Army until retirement. For years, I was an instructor at Cape Fear Community College, and founded Ken’s Tree Service.
Experience: As I earned my Master Beekeeper Certificate, I volunteered at the NC State Zoo, local schools, churches and events to teach all levels of enthusiasts. I was the President of the Brunswick County Beekeepers Association, and have bee yards in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick County.
In 2021, I made beekeeping my full-time passion. You may have bought my 100% pure, raw, and unadulterated honey under the name: The Sweet Life Honeybee Farm. I’ve rebranded to simply, The Honey Bee Farm. It is an integral part of White Heron Retreat located in Columbus County.
Living Classrooms Bee Hive: We are currently constructing a life size hive where you are the bee. Immerse yourself with the sights, sounds, smells and of course, the taste. Experience the community of bees, and the vibrations of life through thought provoking lessons combined with nature’s gift of honey.
Stolen Bees! My bees and I were featured on four news stations in March of 2024.
Legally known as bee rustling.
Partnerships for Local Wildflower Honey Distribution
You can find my pure raw honey at these trusted locations:
Shelton Herb Farm (Leland) off Hwy17 just south of Brunswick Forest
Wrigglesworth Ace Hardware (Wilmington) on South College Road
Scott’s Farm & Family (Shallotte) on Main Street (Leland) on Lanvale Road
Wesley Warren Organics (Wilmington) in The Old Wilmington City Market
The Blue Cup Roastery (Wilmington) in The Cargo District
The Honeybee Farm at White Heron Retreat
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the honey 100% pure?
100% Pure Wildflower Honey: Raw, unfiltered and extracted on site in glass jars. Our unheated and unadulterated honey comes directly from our hives within 25 miles of Wilmington, North Carolina.
How many bees are in a honey bee colony?
Honey Bee Colony: Mature honey bee colonies contain 60,000 to 120,000 bees. These colonies produce a surplus of honey which can be extracted for human consumption and not starve the hive.
How many bees are in a nucleus colony?
Nucleus Colony: “Nuc” colonies contain ~ 30,000 bees and initiate your honey bee adventure or should I say addiction. Nuc’s also contain 3 frames of brood (various stages), and 2 frames of food.
How many eggs do queen bees lay?
Queen Bees: Young queens lay over 2,000 eggs a day and choose to lay a male or female egg based on colony needs. A new queen can significantly alter the disposition and honey production of the colony.
How many female bees are in a honey bee colony and how long do they live?
Honey Bees: Over 90% of the colony consists of female worker bees and generally live 4-8 weeks during the nectar flow. Honey bees are an integral part of our ecosystem and pollinate 2/3 of our diet.
What's "propolis" or "bee glue" anyway?
Propolis: “Bee glue” Aristotle coined this sticky, resinous substance to mean defender of the city. It protects the hive from invaders, diseases and maintains homeostasis. Highly medicinal for humans.
Do you sell bee pollen and bee wax?
Bee Pollen & Bee Wax: Are available per request. Cleaned and unfiltered wax can be available.
Do you sell top and bottom boards for beekeepers?
Top & Bottom Boards: Ken personally constructs and offers assembled or un-assembled tops & bottoms made from treated lumber and AdvanTech sub-flooring for durability & decay resistance. Contact us for more information!
Do you offer beekeeping instruction?
Initial Guidance / Future Instruction: Included in the purchase price for the items mentioned above. Text Ken: 910-443-2336 for more information, questions, ordering, and pricing.
Can you rescue a swarm from my property?
Save the Swarm! If you see a swarm, call us immediately. We will rescue and re-home these wonderful little creatures free of charge. Swarming may be a nuisance but is a natural occurrence. The honey bee population is significantly declining, and every little honey bee makes a difference.
What's the difference between a beekeeper and bee-haver?
Bees need love and attention. When Bee Keepers properly care for their honey bees, they are rewarded with a bountiful harvest of honey. Bee Havers experience more problems with loss, can spread disease, and cause honey robbing problems with nearby bee colonies.
What if I want to get my beekeeper's certification?
Bee In The Know: If you are interested in learning more about bees or if you would like to become a beekeeper, [click here to register for upcoming classes]. Classes are for all levels of instruction and for various age groups. North Carolina Bee Keeper Certification assistance. Call for more information.
How can I learn more about honey bees?
The Living Classrooms Immersive Bee Hive: Experience the sensation of what life would be like if you were actually a honey bee buzzing around in the hive. If you would like to contribute to the creation of unique healing and magical experience.
What's a good online resource to learn about beekeeping?
Un – Bee – lievable: There is a tremendous amount of mis-information concerning honey bees and bee keeping. Do not believe everything you read no matter how many times it is repeated on social media. Ask an experienced bee keeper or explore bee research through educational institutions. Great place to start: The Department of Agriculture & The North Carolina Beekeepers Association (NCSBA).