In some ways, this has been a blessing, as it’s given us the opportunity to really think about what kind of hive we wanted, and how many hives we felt capable of tending at this time. While I am excited about looking into top bar hives as a future opportunity, at this point we went with what we were already familiar and comfortable with – Langstroth hives. We ordered supplies from a company we knew and trusted, Glory Bee, and bees from a regional beekeeping supply company, Crooked Hill. We decided to start with one hive, and add more in future years. Here is the process of installing a new beehive, from start to finish.
The hive came to us unassembled, so after assembling the supers, the kids helped paint the exterior.
I am a very beginning beekeeper, and I learn so much from the many wise people who are generous with their knowledge. I’ve enjoyed reading the following beginning beekeeping posts:
Getting Started
How to Get Started Keeping Bees :: Runamuk Acres
How to Prepare for Beekeeping :: Homestead Lady
Hiving
Hiving Bees in a Langstroth Box :: Montana Homesteader
Hiving Honeybees :: Better Hens and Gardens
How to Set up your First Beehive :: Runamuk Acres
Inspiration
The Beekeeping Adventure Begins :: Northern Homestead
Backyard Beekeeping – A Beginner’s Journey :: J&JAcres
Keeping Bees : A Honey of a Hobby :: MomPrepares
Your Dream of Becoming a Beekeeper is Closer Than You Think :: MomPrepares
Tips for Helping Bees :: Herbal Academy of New England
Starting your First Beehive :: Untrained Housewife
Tips and Tricks
8 Honeybee Hive Inspection Tips :: Better Hens and Gardens
How to Keep City Bees Without Making Your Neighbors Angry :: Untrained Housewife
6 Tips for Handling Bees :: Runamuk Acres
Do you keep bees? How did your bee installation go this spring?
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Oh thanks so much for writing this up for the photos as well! I’ve just started setting up some courses for beginner beekeepers here in Australia (there seems to be a lot of interest). I’ve been a hobby beekeeper for years, but setting up these courses is a lot of work, especially keeping in mind what begineers need to learn the most, so your write up is definitely going to assist me with that a bit. Thanks again. -Bec
Thanks so much!
hi, Im edward, Im living in a different region unlike you,Im in the philippines. I see it intere3sting to keep bees on my homestead..this information was very helpul to me and i dont know how to keep them. before Im seeing them as parasite to my cabinet, but your article made me realize that there were importance of these honeybee,by the way they were very smal and I dont have idea what are these breed. so Im starting to learn when they will be harvested.
I also had a little blog about my homestead but Im still starting. it was on http://www.amplehomesteadbin.com.. the only difference there is Im talking about what is all about in tropical homestead.I will make a document regarding the progress of this honeybee and I will use the information I learned from you..thank you fro that wonderful; post.
Hi Edward, I bet the tropical climate would make for different challenges with beekeeping. See if you can find a good mentor to help you out!
That’s so exciting! I hope you have lots of luck with your new hive, and thank you for sharing so many bee-related links 🙂 Off to read more!
Thanks! The hive seems to be doing well so far. Lots of activity – eggs, pollen, nectar. It’s very exciting!
Thank you for including us in your references, and congratulations on your new hive! Looking forward to hearing about your bee adventures 🙂
Thanks for sharing your great information, Lesa!
Thanks for this:) my daughter is just starting her first beehive for 4H this year and all te info would be great for her:)
I hope your daughter has great success!!
How fun! Love it how you include your family in the project. Bees are not creepy, they are hard working creatures. Your kids will learn that early on.
Thank you so much for including us in your list of references!
It is really fun having them be a part of all of our homestead adventures. When they get a little older, I’d love to get them their own beesuits so they can participate too!
This is a little off topic, but you have the most ADORABLE children! Great job with the project. I look forward to following your adventure in beekeeping!
Thank you! I think they are pretty special, and they are certainly good homestead helpers!
I will be sure to continue to write about our bee adventures!
Homestead Honey,
Thanks so much for including us in your list of reference material! We are certainly enjoying our new journey and hope that your post inspires others to give it a whirl! It looks like y’all had a blast setting up your hive. I wish I was as brave as you! I was so worried I’d so something wrong 🙂
Wishing you much success with your hive!
It was fun watching your video, Jared!
I have to say, even though I’ve been into hives dozens of times, this was the calmest I’ve ever been, and I’ve had the most fun setting up this hive. I think I finally have equipment that makes me comfortable working with the bees, and a bit of experience under my belt. Still, I feel like this year is a huge learning year for me!
Thank you for the extra “posts” of information! We will be delving into this adventure within the next year -two. The initial investment into the supplies is what we are working on right now…everything in it’s own time I guess, the waiting can be maddening though..hahaha I am learning all I can right now, so any and all information is always welcome! Good Luck with your new hive! -Danielle
That’s so exciting that you’ll be getting bees, Danielle. I agree – the cost of setting up a hive is great. When I was picking up my bees, I ran into some folks who had to replace 60% of their hives this year because of cold and unfortunately, crop spraying. So the expenses perpetuate, but it’s so worth it, both for honey and for pollination.