Keeping bees is probably the easiest way to earn some extra money. However, it can be a challenging venture if you are a complete beginner. The good news is that bee keeping isnג€™t as difficult as it seems. The practice of keeping honeybees in hives for pollination is the most common type of apiculture in the world ג€” except for Antarctica. There are more than 20,000 registered beekeepers in the U.S., with about 10,000 of them being hobbyists. You donג€™t need any special skills or expensive tools to get started; all you need is some land and a little patience. Keep reading to learn more about what you need to get started, plus some helpful tips on how to succeed at beekeeping once you do get started.
What is the 7/10 rule in beekeeping?
The 7/10 rule is a guideline for beekeepers when they first start out. It basically implies that you should keep seven hives of bees and only ten colonies. It is important to remember that there are many variables involved in this guideline and it is not set in stone. A good rule of thumb is to have about one colony per square mile of the apiary, which will provide adequate pollination for your crops.
What does a beginner beekeeper need?
A beginner beekeeper needs a hive, bees, and honey. Hives are available from many companies that sell beekeeping equipment; you can also buy them from other hobbyists. Bees can be obtained from reputable bee suppliers who sometimes have hives with bees already in them; or you could order your own bees. Honey is abundant in most areas of the country and is often sold locally for little cost.
How many beehives should a beginner start with?
The number of hives you should start with depends on the space you have for beekeeping and your level of interest. If you want to start small, one hive will be sufficient, but if you are looking to make more money or get more bees, then you will need more than one hive.
If youג€™re a complete beginner to beekeeping, consider starting with just one hive because itג€™ll be less complicated. Eventually, youג€™ll want to build up to having lots of bees since they will increase your honey production and help pollinate the plants in your garden. The number of hives a beginner starts with is predetermined based upon their resources. For example, if they have enough land available, they can start with as many as 10-12 hives. However, if they donג€™t have enough land or other resources like equipment or time, then they may only be able to keep 2-3 hives.
What time of year should you start beekeeping?
For the best experience, you should start beekeeping in the springtime. As soon as you get your bees, make sure to learn about how to take care of them immediately. Raising bees is not difficult, but it does require a lot of time and patience from the beekeeper. This means that you need to enjoy spending time with your honeybees; otherwise, it won’t be worth it! If you wish to keep hives year-round, try keeping them in a climate-controlled room for winter.
