Legal

Before you actually dive into the world of beekeeping, you need to check your local apiary laws to make sure it's legal. Here is a site that can help you find the legal information for beekeeping depending on where you live.

Research

Once you've clarified the legality of beekeeping in your area, then you need to research bees and beekping. You may even find it helpful to join a local beekeeping organization, which you might find through this site.

Gear

In order to keep bees, you're going to need the necessary gear. Such equipment includes...

• Bee suit

  

  Photo by mmgiard / CC BY

• Smoker

  

  Photo by Bryan Flicker bot / CC BY

• Hive tool

  

  Photo by Robert Engelhardt / CC BY

• Beehive(s)

  

  Photo by Daniel Feliciano / CC BY

Make sure to set up your beehive(s) in an area where the bees' flight path is not abstructed, and where they will least likely interfere with any nearby people.

Bees

In order to start up that hive, you're going to need a very important piece: the bees!

Photo by ClkerFreeVectorImages / CC BY

For an easy startup, you can buy what is called a "nuc" which consists of a queen and her workers. Alternatively, you can catch your own swarm, but the nuc is easiest for beginners.

An important side note! Set up your bees in their new hive in the spring, when warm weather begins, so that their hive has enough time to establish itself before cold weather returns.

Upkeep and Harvesting

Once your beehive is up and running, you need to periodically check on it. Make sure to provide water, or even sugar water if your bees need a boost. As well, once the hive is strong enough, you can begin to harvest goods such as honey and beeswax.