HORTICULTURE Getting started with bees is an exciting, and
need for equipment. Local bee supply
somewhat daunting, experience. Jumping
shops can be a good source for free classes
right in without being prepared can result in
or connections to learning opportunities.
failure and expensive mistakes. Making the
Lastly, join a local bee club. Helping new
experience something less than enjoyable.
bees is usually their primary mission.
Here are some tips to avoid these pitfalls when get started.
3. Be prepared to get two hives to start. While two hives cost more than one (cost
1. Be a beekeeper not a bee haver. Many
saving tips are below), you will learn faster
start off thinking the bees take care of
and have a backup hive to help you out if
themselves. If you’re talking about bees in
one gets in trouble. Keeping two hives is
the wild, a population of colonies spread
easier than keeping one.
out over hundreds or thousands of acres can survive just fine without our intrusions.
4. Have realistic expectations. While it is
But keeping hives going in an artificially
possible for an experienced beekeeper to
managed system requires management.
get honey off a new package of bees in the
Bee keeping is a form of husbandry. Expect
first year. As a new beekeeper, a more
to spend time keeping them.
realistic goal is to get your bees to survive the coming winter. Focusing on this will
2. Educate yourself before jumping in.
teach you more about the basics. The basics
There are lots of introductory books out
will eventually lead to a honey crop.
there. Buy a couple of them or try to get them from the library. Next, find a local
5. Save money by catching a swarm or
beekeeper to learn from. Offer to help them
making a split. If you’re frugal minded and
with their bees. They can not only teach you
patient, you can catch a swarm. Look up
about the bees but can help you save
how to build a swarm trap or just use a
money by showing you the things you do
deep hive box. Do some reading on studies
Bee Keeping 52 HOME RIVER VALLEY
GETTING STARTED WITH BEES
