Start beekeeping
Keep a colony of honeybees in your backyard: build the hive, find a mentor and learn to open it calmly. Here's the video that hooks everyone, and everything you need for your first hive.
Space neededA sunny corner of a yard
First projectA hive, built before the bees come
Skill levelBeginner, with a mentor
Good forGardeners and patient people
The video that hooks everyone
How to start beekeeping, step by step, for absolute beginners
A step-by-step guide to starting beekeeping for absolute beginners, from a beekeeper lifting a frame of golden comb out in the open. Press play and see why it hooks people.
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Tool list
What you need to start
Everything you need for your first project, and nothing you don't. Honey gear can wait for year two.
Starter kit
01Hive kitOne deep box with frames and foundation, a bottom board, inner and outer covers. Unassembled is cheaper.
02Bee jacket with veilKeeps stings off your face and neck. Light colors.
03Beekeeping glovesLong cuffs. You'll wear them less as you get calmer.
04Smoker and fuelCool smoke calms the bees. Pine needles or burlap for fuel.
05Hive toolPries boxes apart and lifts frames. You'll use it every time.
06FeederHolds sugar syrup while a new colony builds comb.
07Hive standLifts the hive off damp ground. Two cinder blocks work.
08Wood glue and a hammerTo put the kit together.
09BeesA nuc or a package from a local supplier. Order early.
The manual tells you what to look for when you buy each one.
- 1Skipping the local rulesCheck city ordinances, HOA rules and your state's hive registration before you buy anything.
- 2Opening the hive too oftenEvery inspection sets the colony back a little. Once every week or two in season is plenty.
- 3Expecting honey the first yearA new colony spends its first season building comb and stores for winter. Leave them the honey they need.
