Ready to Start Beekeeping? Make Plans Early in the Fall

If you’re looking to start beekeeping, spring is the best time to set up a hive. But start planning early in the fall as there are many things to get ready. Most important is pre-ordering your bees in the fall because suppliers run out quickly in the spring.

Here are some tips for a successful start-up.

Plan early and well

Order bees in the fall in time for an early spring delivery. The earlier you can set up your hive in spring, like late March or early April, the better chance the colony has to expand and make honey before floral sources dwindle later in the year. You can order “package” bees or a “nuc.” Package bees are bees that come in a wired cage, which you release into your hive. A nuc, short for nucleus, is a starter colony of bees on built-out frames of comb. A nuc will have a faster start-up, but is more expensive.

Decide what style of hive you prefer – vertical or horizontal. Vertical (or Langstroth) hives are by and large the most common and because of that, equipment can be more easily exchanged between beekeepers. Horizontal hives (top bars, Layens, long-Langs) can be easier to manage and don’t require as much heavy lifting.

Select what tools you will need such as a bee suit, gloves, bee hive tool, and smoker.

Decide where to place the hive. Rural locations with lots of space work well. Hives can be placed in urban areas if local regulations allow them; however, know that even docile bees can became testy at times and sting people and pets.

Educate yourself about bees and beekeeping

Learn as much as you can about honey bee behavior and beekeeping techniques. You will be fascinated and the knowledge will make you a better beekeeper and you’ll enjoy the experience so much more. Extensive and reliable information on beekeeping is provided by Agricultural Extension Services and university beekeeping departments such as Texas A&M Honey Bee Lab and University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab. Check out beekeeping podcasts such as Two Bees in a Pod, The Hive Jive, and Beekeeping Today. There are countless YouTube videos on beekeeping as well.

Get a mentor

Get a beekeeping mentor – someone who can show you hands-on and answer questions. Inquire with local beekeeping groups such as Fayette County Beekeepers, Central Texas Beekeepers, and Brazos Valley Beekeepers.

Join a beekeeping club

Join a beekeeping club. They often have presentations for beginning beekeepers and some clubs offer 1-day bee schools for a more in-depth learning experience.

Consider becoming a Texas Master Beekeeper

Challenge yourself to become certified as a Texas Master Beekeeper. The program is provided by the Texas Apiary Inspection Service in association with the Texas Beekeepers Association. Levels include apprentice, advanced, master, and master craftsman.

Enjoy yourself

Whatever style and size of beekeeping operation you choose, make it enjoyable and you’ll keep with it for years to come.

---Written by Dianna Kocurek, a beekeeper in southeastern Fayette County since 2009.