There are a few different ways to purchase a new colony of bees but packages or nucs are two of the most common. In this article I describe what each is, and some of the benefits/drawbacks to each.     What is a Bee Package?   A bee package is a wooden frame box with […]

There are so many knowledgeable beekeepers who don’t know the first thing about teaching. Despite their passion, the interesting subject matter and years of experience the information is lost on their audience. So, how can we better share our love of bees and educate our community? Read on for some helpful tips on how to […]

Here in the mid-Atlantic in Maryland, we have had a mild winter with at least a dozen days since early December above 50 degrees. That means flying bees looking for early spring/late winter nectar and pollen in the landscape… and they are coming up short. Unless you plan ahead and plant perennials and trees that […]

Most new beekeepers make the mistake of starting with just one hive. It makes sense. Beginners are often hesitant to get any bees at all! A second hive might seem to you like more work, more responsibility and it doubles the cost of your new hobby. So, why do experienced beekeepers recommend you start with at least […]

Have you often thought about keeping bees but were discouraged by the high set-up costs? Frugal beekeeping is possible if you cut some corners. The price tag can cause sticker shock to anyone who looks into buying equipment and bees, keeping many potential beekeepers from jumping into this highly rewarding hobby/small business. Most people are […]

You really don’t need to know a lot to bring home your first bees. Just take care of some important basics, and learn as you go.

Unwrapping a brand new, wooden beehive is exciting! Most kits come with a few tools and simple veil to round it out which makes you feel like you’ve got everything you need to start keeping bees. A popular Costco kit proclaims on the box, “All you need to add is a package of bees!” Unfortunately, it’s […]

The interior of a hive is a wet, warm, stifling environment. Should we put our opposable thumbs to use and take over temperature control?

We finish up our discussion of the last few tenets of bee-centered beekeeping. And then reflect on how to apply them to our own location, our own style.

It has been five months since I brought my bright and beautiful, straw-woven Sun Hive home, and just three months since I escorted a small cast swarm up a wooden ramp and into its dark and enfolding interior…

Swarming is a good thing—really! And naturally-mated queens will give you the best chance for a thriving, surviving hive.

Bees are wild animals that forage on their own, but there are times when they could use a bit of help. Why should you feed your bees? And how should you do it? In this video, you’ll learn everything you need to know.

Late summer is yellow jacket season. Learn how to keep these hungry wasps from bothering—or demolishing—your hives.

Catching a swarm is a total blast. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of getting some wild bees for free. You just gotta get a little courageous and suit up to your comfort level and go get ‘em. Here’s a neat little tip that might just get you a few extra bees this spring using some items that you may have in your garage.

guest post by Brushy Mountain Bee Farm Brushy Mountain Bee Farm has been serving the beekeeping community since 1977. Throughout our years of helping beekeepers succeed, we’ve realized that starting this exciting hobby can be daunting. Brushy Mountain Bee Farm wants to alleviate the stress of not knowing where to begin. The video below will explain […]