Beekeeping Essentials for Beginners
We take the guesswork and remove the seemingly unlimited number of products available on the market, and break it down to the essentials.
We get asked just about every day "What do I need to purchase to get Started with Beekeeping?" We have broken it down into 5 basics.
Embarking on the beekeeping adventure is an exciting journey, but the plethora of products available on the market can be overwhelming for beginners. Fear not! We've got you covered. If you find yourself asking, "What do I need to get started with beekeeping?" look no further. In this guide, we cut through the confusion and streamline your beekeeping essentials, making your initiation into the world of beekeeping a breeze.
1: The Beehive - Your Bees' Home
The heart of beekeeping lies in the hive. There are many different options however we are going to stick to the basics and will also suggest the items that are used by most. Of course, there are many different options and ways to accomplish the same thing but again we are going to eliminate many things to simplify and clear the shopping list to just the essentials.
Get A "Hive Kit" - This makes your purchase simple and instead of buying individual components it will take the guesswork out of the equation. The bee hive "Kit" will include almost everything you need, except the bees. These usually cost about $225-$250 per colony that you plan on having.
What we would recommend however feel free to shop where you like!
Mann Lake Bee Supply: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/10-frame-complete-hive-kit-combo/
2: Bee Basics - Getting Your Colony
Wondering how to kickstart your beekeeping adventure? Now that you have your beekeeping equipment, you need to order bees. Beekeeping is a seasonal hobby so it's important to order bees early in the year from a reputable beekeeper. Commercial beekeeping operations usually have bees ready in the spring (April or May) and sold as what's called a "package of bees" OR what is called a "nucleus colony", we suggest the Nucleus colony aka "Nuc". When you order a "Nuc" from Heritage Bee Farm you are supplied with an established starter colony that is ready to be transferred into the hive equipment you purchased in step one. You don't need to get caught up in types of bees or species etc. Most reputable beekeepers sell only quality honeybees. Getting caught up in species in the beginning can get confusing and unnecessary at the start.
Give us a call or email us to reserve your NUC!
3: Dressing for Success - Protection!
There are many different options when it comes to protection from stings. Almost all of them are acceptable and the options are a preference in the amount of protection you will want to have. For a beginner, I will break it down into two categories. 1. A Full Suit or 2. A Jacket Suit
A.) A Full Suit - This covers Head to Ankle
Mann Lake Bee Supply: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/protective-gear/vented-beekeeping-suit-with-veil/
Dadant Bee Supply: https://www.dadant.com/catalog/economy-ventilated-suit
B.) A Jacket Suit - This covers from Head to WaistMann Lake Bee Supply: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/protective-gear/vented-jacket-with-veil/
Dadant Bee Supply: https://www.dadant.com/catalog/economy-vent-jacket
4: Tools of the Trade - Making Beekeeping Easier
Every beekeeper needs a toolkit. From the smoker that calms the bees, to the hive tool that opens hive boxes and separates frames, below are the suggested essentials that will make your beekeeping a smoother experience.
SMOKER | Dadant Bee Supply: https://www.dadant.com/catalog/tools/smokers/m009281-smoker-4-x-10-stainless-steel-with-heat-finger-shield
HIVE TOOL | Mann Lake Bee Supply: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/beekeeping-tools-more/hive-tools/9-1-2-blue-hive-tool/
5: Feeding - Keeping Your Bees Healthy
Ensure your bees stay well-fed, providing supplemental food when needed. We suggest adding the front entrance feeder for a backyard beekeeper with just a few hives. A mason jar filled with sugar syrup is twisted onto the feeder and placed into the entrance of the hive which then feeds the bees based on a vacuum method through tiny pin holes. You may not need it right away but if there is a dearth of flowers available naturally, then having this feeder will be a big help to you and the bees! Sometimes it is a matter of keeping them alive or not by feeding them a supplemental syrup.
Conclusion:
We hope this has helped to eliminate some confusion and get right to the basics of what you need to get your bee colony started. After you have your colonies you will want to think about other things like honey harvesting, and medicating your bees and so much more! Armed with the essentials, you're ready to take your first steps into the world of beekeeping. Whether you're drawn to the magic of honey extraction or the joy of watching your bee colony thrive, these basics will set you on the path to a rewarding beekeeping experience. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to simplified beekeeping essentials!