From Brushy Mountain Bee Farm
Get Started the Right Way
One thing that we advocate to all beginners is to be educated. Shane Gebauer, president of Brushy Mountain Bee Farm, discusses four key details to be mindful of before you make the investment of a beekeeping beginner’s kit. Check your town or local commission for any ordinances or restrictions; become educated and join a bee association; understand the difference between a package of bees and a NUC; and know the size hive you want to maintain.
• A Common-Sense Guide to Bee Safety from GRIT
• Honeybee Basics from GRIT
• Backyard Beekeeping for Beginners from MOTHER EARTH NEWS
• Be a Backyard Beekeeper from MOTHER EARTH NEWS
A Bee Association will be one of your most valuable resources. You will gain much knowledge through your local organizations on the local honey plants, your needs as far as equipment in your area, the availability of bee inspectors, state laws, and the opportunity to meet a mentor that will help you with any challenges. The experience of going into a hive with someone that has kept bees for several years is extremely helpful. Check out our Bee Association Map for a full list of Bee Associations.
When does the beekeeping season start?
As Shane mentioned in the video, you want to have all your equipment ready and your hives built before you order your bees in February. The best option for anyone just getting started is to invest in one of our many Beekeeping Bee-Ginner’s Kits. This will include all the essentials you need to start your experience, minus the bees. You want to start your hives as early in spring as possible. Starting in early spring allows your bee colony to build in population before the summer pollen season and nectar flow.
Brushy Mountain Bee Farm is here to help you get started and grow as a beekeeper. Visit us online for more resources or give us a call, 1-800BEESWAX (233-7929), with any questions or concerns.
Here at GRIT Magazine, we are passionate about rural American know-how and helping people learn more about the crops and animals they care for. Check out Videos from GRIT to see more from our editors.
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