The beekeeper’s calendar is directly linked to the seasons. Preparing your hives for changes in temperature and shifts in the weather — before they happen — is crucial for raising healthy, strong colonies. While there are a number of variables that affect the timing of these tasks, getting a head start and preparing your equipment is always a good idea. This …
The In the first article in the series, Beehive Components Part I: Building a Hive from the Ground Up, we covered the basic parts of a hive and how they all fit together. In Part II, we’ll take a closer look at the interior parts of a hive: The frames and foundation. From laying eggs and raising young to storing pollen …
Even seasoned beekeepers make a few spring mistakes, and for me, this year is no exception. Let me set the scene: It was a cloudy, misting, 58-degree early spring morning. The warmer temps meant I’d finally swapped out the deer sled for the utility vehicle to make my rounds in the bee yards. The engine started on the first try …
For a new beekeeper, getting through the first winter is a major milestone worth celebrating. As a second-year beekeeper, you may find your equipment needs growing as your colonies mature. If you’re a new beekeeper and successfully kept your first colony through the winter, congratulations! You’ve gained valuable experience by setting up your first hive and learning to use basic beekeeping …
We get a lot of questions about measurements and sizing for the different bee suits we offer, so we've compiled a sizing chart to help everyone out. If you are in the market for a new suit, pair of trousers, jacket or a hat-veil combo, this will help guide you to the proper fit. View the PDF version - Dadant Sizing Chart
A week after installing your package bees, it’s time to perform your first hive inspection and see if the bees have accepted the queen and started to draw out the foundation. Getting Ready for the First Hive Inspection For this first inspection, we suggest wearing some level of protective clothing. Depending on your experience with beekeeping, you may be comfortable with minimal …
Have you ever wondered how people start beekeeping? Or wondered why they do it? Well, there are many answers to both questions. Reading this page will provide you with all the information you need. Who knows, by the time you finish reading, you may be ready to begin beekeeping! Man’s Love Affair with the Honey Bee Even before recorded history, man was …