This post may curb affiliate links .
divvy up this post or immobilize it for later !
There ’s been a Brobdingnagian surge in the number of homesteaders interested in or practise beekeeping as part of their journeying to self - adequacy .
Set up your “beeyard” for as many hives as you think you might eventually have. Here, we have a yard big enough for 4 hives enclosed by an electric fence.
The benefits are multi - fold : You get to relish yourhoneyharvest and maybe even deal some , and you get to support one or morehoneybee colonies that will positively impact the environment . You may also use thebeeswaxfor homemade candle , salves , lotions , and ointment . Raising bee can also be agreat learning opportunityfor the whole family .
That say , beekeeping also has challenges – from hive pests and disease to swarms and wintertime beehive loss . Like most homesteading bodily function , your good defense lawyers against these challenges is instruct , and erudition can add up from many different sources .
This article focus on what you could do to learn about beekeeping , from when you first moot use up up the practice to when you get your first beehive . These steps can help you make up one’s mind whether you are ready to enter the beekeeping mankind .
Step 1 – Visit a Beekeeper
There is no relief for putting on a bee suit and have up close to a beehive to determine whether you have the inclination to be a beekeeper .
lecture to a apiculturist about their hobby or concern , how much work and prison term it takes , what they see as the rewards , and how they got begin . Beekeepers have a repute for coaction , even if only for ego - saving ( disease can diffuse , so you do n’t desire an irresponsible beekeeper in your neighborhood ) .
Generally , though , they are happy to help someone else because they care abouthoneybees ! If you do n’t know someone who is a apiarist , many area have local beekeeping groups or associations . They often have mentorship programs or lists of experienced keepers . Likewise , many public venues like farms , cultural attractions , or schools host hives and may open them to the public .
Step 2 – Read About Beekeeping
Getting your hand on a beneficial book about beekeeping can avail to give you an overview of the hobby and an introduction to what is involved in becoming a apiarist . While there are many books about beekeeping , I suggest you start with something that does n’t get too complicated .
A beekeeping store owner recommend theFuture Farmers of America Guide to set out Beekeepingwhen I wanted to get a self-colored foundation to catch up with my husband . I found it to be an unbelievably valuable beginner ’s guide .
You might find book on beekeeping at your local library as well , and of course , there are many websites on this topic . For example , keep Backyard Bees , which is associated with Mother Earth News , has a riches of information and a devoid online newssheet .
Step 3 – Take a Beekeeping Class
There is only so much you may watch from a Good Book or so many times you may tap your mentor for selective information . A class in beekeeping get you into a elbow room with an experient beekeeper and a way full of the great unwashed quick to call for question you might not have even known you had .
More advanced reading , research , and practice session will give you a solid foundation to build on later . Many local extension offices or community education computer program , such as beekeeping supplying stock , offer up basic beekeeping classes .
determine one that has a solid reputation and a teacher who knows their clobber . And ask fortune of questions while you have them at your service ( without disrupt others , of class ) !
Step 4 – Set up your Beeyard
To keep bee , you ’ll select a placement where the urticaria will get some nice southerly sun photo and , ideally , be somewhat shielded from the wind . You ’ll also require to assure they are not too close to quotidian foot dealings , especially if you are in an urban surface area or have kids .
Lastly , you ’ll involve to protect the bees from predators . The most potential predator is a bear , but git could also be a job if you ’re in an urban area . The best solution is to build a fence around your bee ; this will also keep pests of the human variety away from the hive !
The best fencing solution we ’ve found is a solar powered electrical fence we put in ourselves . You ’ll also demand to turn back your local ordinances ( or neighbor ) to see if you could keep bee in your yard . If you ca n’t , you may be able to cultivate with someone who has more property in an allowed location to keep your bees there .
Step Five – Get your First Bee Hive
prevail your first hive could be as loose as walking into a beekeeping supply entrepot and buy their “ beginner ’s software system , ” which might also come with a class or two . But if you do n’t have that resource , find a reputable supply company to help put together your first hive .
To get started , you ’ll need the follow introductory equipment :
A Bee Suit
While experience “ bee whisperers ” can hold their beehive with less tribute , it is always a safe pick to buy afull bee suitto assure you do n’t get prick if you bowl over your bees . We advocate a case with a full hood ( or veil ) that zips at the taking into custody .
Most full suits also fare withgloves , but you ’ll also need a good dyad of tall boots ( caoutchouc iron boot like thesework well ) .
Hive Parts and Equipment
A typical Langstroth bee beehive is made up of a “ deep , ” which is the bottom boxful where the bees will reproduce ; a “ super , ” which is a small box that correspond on top of that for bees to build in ; plus a covering fire and a stem .
If you are just get down , you could often get astarter kitthat comes with all of the necessary components to get started . BetterbeeandDadantare two large beekeeping supply houses . Betterbee offers astarter kitthat also include a hive tool ( which help you to tell apart and work with frames ) , a smoker ( which helps to suppress the bees for working in the hive ) , a beekeeping book , and someglovesand a veil / hood combo .
You ’ll also need a bee “ brush , ” a cushy - briery brush to help softly move bees out of the way as you work your hive .
Bees
you could commence your hive in two ways – with a karyon colony ( nuc ) or a “ computer software ” . The difference is how far along the settlement is when you get it . A lens nucleus colony is further along – it has all of the bee it needs to function and commonly hail with 5 frames of run honeycomb withhoney , pollen , and brood in dissimilar stages of development .
A nuc is a small beehive quick to expand into more space . A “ package ” is literally a package of bees with a disjoined queen quick to be integrate with the workers . There are no skeletal frame of draw comb or brood in growing , so it will take at least 3 - 4 weeks longer for the hive to get go away in the natural spring , but packages are also much less expensive .
keep Backyard Bees has a helpful article about take which to start with . When looking for bees , you may get local overwintered bees from custodian around you or bees transport into a statistical distribution location in your area from elsewhere .
There are various arguments for either path , and we have succeeded both agency . Talk to your local suppliers to see what they extend and discuss what they think would be best . You often have to regularise your bee in January or February for a saltation beehive , so think about it ahead of time !
Step 6 – Network with Local Beekeepers
The beekeeping residential area is strong in many parts of the US and internationally . While gardeners often operate independently and on occasion get to know each other through farmer ’s markets , beekeepers have formed knowing groups to keep in touch and learn together .
join a local beekeepers ’ association tolerate you to meet both experient and novice apiarist in your area . Many associations volunteer classes , group discussion , and wise man programs that can help you boost your readiness for your first hive or meliorate your practice subsequently .
Associations also often keep in touch about local regulations , body process , and disease that might make their way to your area . There is never a breaker point at which there is n’t something unexampled to learn , so ride out connected to the community will ensure you do n’t miss those chance .
practiced of luck in your beekeeping adventure , and appease in touch with Homestead How - To for future article on beekeeping practice !
