In our opinion, every good beekeeping venture starts in the winter! That is the time to read lots of books, attend classes, order equipment and reserve your bees before the crazy spring rush. This period of preparation will ensure a smooth start in the spring, allowing you to enter your first season with confidence. Hives and bees are in high demand come spring, so having decisions made and orders placed by January will put you ahead of the curve!
Once March hits, you’ll want to have your hives built and painted, flowers planted, a water source in place and permitting taken care of. There’s nothing more stressful than having bees on the way and no place to put them. Packages and nucs will generally arrive in late April or early May, and then you’re off and running!
For more info on getting started, check out some of our beginner beekeeping guides:
Choosing Your Hive: A Closer Look at Langstroth, Warre and Top Bar Hives
From Hive Tool to Smoker: The B&B Guide to Essential Beekeeping Gear
Check out our online Beekeeping for Beginners course here! Our comprehensive beginning course is designed to equip you with everything you need to get started in beekeeping from the comfort of your own home.