So you want to keep bees?

Richard FAQs

Beginner Beekeeping Advice

Thinking About Keeping Bees? Read This First.

I’m often asked how to get started in beekeeping. Before you buy your first hive, here are the things I believe every new beekeeper should know.

If your goal is cheap honey, buy honey.

If your goal is understanding honey bees and becoming part of a centuries-old craft, welcome to beekeeping.

Before You Buy Bees

  1. Watch this video. If that hasn’t put you off, continue.
  2. Watch this one too. If you’re still keen afterwards, you’re probably getting bees.
  3. Join your local beekeeping association: find one here.
  4. Take a good-quality beginners’ course.
  5. Visit Beginner Beekeeping for more advice.
  6. Find a mentor. A good mentor is worth their weight in honey.
  7. Learn bee health before you think about honey.

Preparing for Your First Colony

  • Buy proper equipment rather than a generic beginners’ kit. Read my guide to choosing beekeeping equipment .
  • Have everything ready before your bees arrive.
  • Source local bees and avoid imports wherever possible.
  • Register your apiary on BeeBase.
  • Join BIBBA NatBIP and learn more about native and locally adapted bees.

    • Your First Season

    • Keep records from your very first inspection.
    • Learn why bees swarm. Swarming is how healthy colonies reproduce.
    • Don’t expect lots of honey immediately.
    • Spend time simply watching your bees.
    • Remember that surviving winter is often a bigger achievement than harvesting honey.

    Making More Bees

    Once you’ve survived your first season and still enjoy it, it’s time to learn how colonies reproduce and how beekeepers can increase their stock.

    Watch this video about making more bees

    Final Thought

    Beekeeping is a journey. Start slowly, learn properly, ask questions, work with local beekeepers and never stop learning.

    The bees will teach you plenty, whether you’re ready or not.

    Ready to Take the Next Step?

    Join a beginners’ course, visit your local beekeeping association, or spend a day with us at Staincross Apiaries and see what beekeeping is really like.

    Learn more about beginner beekeeping