Kate's Tips for the Beginner Beekeeper
1. Do your research
There is a lot to learn so start early and try not to get overwhelmed, you won’t learn everything the first year or even the first decade.
2. Know your local laws
Many states, counties, and cities have unique regulations. Sometimes you have to register your hive and some places have limits to how many hives can be on a property.
3. Don’t open your hive without a plan
Opening the hive is a big temptation, you want to check in and see how the girls are doing. You should only do this every 2-3 weeks. It is quite a disturbance to the hive. Make sure you have a goal and all of your supplies ready.
4. Start with two colonies
This will allow you to compare and try different methods throughout the season to see what works best for you.
5. Know your brood patterns
It will help you to better understand what is happening in your hive in a timely and more in depth way.
6. Most of all have FUN!
There isn’t a right or wrong answer when it comes to beekeeping, yes some methods work better than others but each colony is different.
“Ask 10 beekeepers a question and get 15 different answers” – Unknown
