9 tips for the beginner beekeeper

1. Learn everything you can

Start by learning about bees, and only then about keeping them. The more you know about the life of bees, the better beekeepers you will become.

2. Get to know the community

Meet and connect with the local community of beekeepers in your area. Learn from their experience and knowledge.

3. Talk with your neighbors

Before you buy a hive, talk with your neighbors about the bees. You can even offer them a jar of honey at the end of the season.

4. Choose the right location

There are many variables when choosing a spot for a hive. Make sure there is some shade, easy access for tending the hive, and fresh water for the bees nearby.

5. Use the right gear

A mask, a smoker, a brush and a hive tool are the most important tools for the road ahead.

6. Try new things and make mistakes

The best way to understand what works and what does not is simply to try. You will make mistakes a few times, but that is part of the journey.

7. Two are better than one

A second hive lets you move pollen or honey from a strong colony to a weak one. If one hive loses its queen, you can move frames with eggs and larvae from the healthy hive to the weak one.

8. Visit the hive

Place the hive close to where you are. The closer it is, the more often you will visit it. Our recommendation is to visit the hive every 7 to 10 days.

9. Stay motivated

It will not always be easy. If you remember the reason that brought you to keep bees in the first place, you can get through the harder periods too. Remember that these are living animals and we cannot always predict their behavior.