Beekeeping 101: How to Start a Bee Colony

One of the true pleasures of living in the country is the ability to create your own food sources. Starting and maintaining a bee colony is a very important part of growing and harvesting your own food. Perhaps most importantly, these bees will pollinate plants each season, keeping your flowering plants healthy and robust without a lot of attention from you. Then, of course, there’s the pure, sweet honey that you can gather each season.

If all of that sounds wonderful, but you’re just not sure how to get started, then you’re in the right place. Bees instill a little fear in the hearts of most people, and for good reason. Safety is of the utmost importance, so keep that in mind as you work through each step.

1. Take a Class

Sure, you can find most of what you need to know on the internet. You may even discover some YouTube videos so that you can watch beekeeping in action. Still, nothing takes the place of personal attention when you’re learning. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers right away. And hands-on learning is so much more powerful than any video could ever be.

If you’re in an area where classroom learning isn’t available, try to find an online course with an engaged professor. This is very different from reading prepared lessons from an absent teacher. The more personal attention you can get, the better and safer you’ll be.

2. Follow a Beekeeper

Even after you’ve learned what you can from classes, books, and videos, there are still more lessons to learn. Sometimes you just have to watch a professional (or at least a very experienced beekeeper) as he or she deals with everyday issues. Some things just can’t be learned from books.

As you follow the beekeeper, take note of safety procedures and equipment. If something goes wrong, make note of how the experienced beekeeper solves the problem. Join in when you feel you’re ready, but never rush the process.

3. Visit a Beekeeping Equipment Retailer

When you’re ready to get started on your own, you’ll need to invest in the equipment. Many retailers work with first-time beekeepers on a regular basis. They’re likely to have starter kits with the exact items you need, so don’t be afraid to speak up about your inexperience. Starter kits will keep you from buying equipment you just don’t need, which will save you money in the long run.

4. Have Beekeeper Follow You

When you’re ready to start your own beekeeping endeavors, it’s not a bad idea to have a beekeeper work with you. This time, you’ll do all the work while someone stands apart to guide you. You’ll get the experience you need without forgoing the expertise. You’ll know when you’re ready to step out on your own.

Perhaps the most important aspect of all is land. You’ll need a large plot of land to keep your bees contained, won’t you? If you’re looking for rural land so you can begin your beekeeping, gardening, and farming endeavors, give us a call. We’ll help you choose the perfect plot of land in Tennessee, Georgia, or South Carolina.