Beekeeping 101
Read about beekeeping
- Beekeeping requires more education and understanding than actual hands-on work.
- There are beginner classes for beekeeping and/or books to help expand your knowledge even further.
- Explore the many YouTube videos as well.
Check with family, neighbors, and the law
- Some Homeowners Associations have covenants that may restrict beekeeping.
- Family and Neighbors may have concerns if they have severe allergic reactions to bees
- Some states require you to register the location of your beehive(s).
Determine your reason for beekeeping
- A hive for gardening - the primary reason for breeding bees is to pollinate your flowers and gardens.
- A hive for harvesting - the primary reason for breeding bees is to harvest natural honey and/or beeswax.
Buy a beekeeping starter kit
- It is often recommended to buy a starter kit to begin your beekeeping journey.
- Many beekeeping supply companies offer starter kits.
- Basic beekeeping equipment would include a hive tool, smoker, frames and foundation, feeders and the beehive components.
Pick an apiary site
- Take some time and pick an apiary site very carefully!
- Take into consideration the closeness of hives to the neighbor's property line and make sure to have solid fencing if needed.
- Fresh water should be available
- Bees love sunshine and some recommend placing hives with entrances facing south.
Choose a honey bee
- Each bee is unique and delivers various benefits to your beehive. Do some reading on the pros and cons of potential bee types.
- Do you want the popular Italian bees which produce a substantial amount of nectar in a short time or maybe
- Caucasian which are known to be the gentlest of most bee colonies.F
- It's often suggested to consider four major characteristics when choosing a honey bee, which are productivity rate, climate, gentleness and disease tolerance.
Get started!
- You have done your research and have everything you need to get started, so good luck and have fun!