KEEP
If you want to help honeybees without becoming a beekeeper, you can do your part by allowing dandelions and clover to grow in your yard, or plant some clover.
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It is highly recommended to start with two hives — for comparison of colonies and also in the event that one doesn't survive the winter. The following list of estimated startup costs is based on starting with two hives. Beekeeping class: Book(s) for class: Two hives: Two hive stands: Packages of bees (two colonies): Supplemental food for wintertime: Bee tools (hive tool, brush): Smoker: Protective gloves: Bee suit or bee jacket: Protective veil/hat: Estimated total:
$50 $25 $300 $100 $300 $200 $20 $20 $20 $100 $20 $1,155
RESOURCES Frederick County Beekeeping Association www.frederickbees.org Resolution Farm www.facebook.com/ResolutionFarm Mission Beelieve www.missionbeelieve.com WhistlePig Apiary and Woodcraft https://whistlepigwoodcraft.com
Photo courtesy of WhistlePig Woodcraft.
• Link up with your local beekeeping association or a local beekeeping club, even if you don’t have bees. These are excellent resources for beginners or for people who are just toying with the idea of keeping bees. For a nominal fee ($10 per year in Frederick County), you can become a member and participate in monthly meetings with various experts/speakers, as well as take free or discounted classes through the club. • Get a mentor. Usually, your local beekeeping association will link you up with someone. That person will come to your house and look at your hives, answer questions and give suggestions, or you might visit their hives. • Beekeeping can be a little pricey, especially when you’re just starting out and need to buy equipment, hives, tools, a suit — and bees! — plus a bit of upkeep expenses like supplemental food. Try talking with beekeepers or sitting in on a meeting or class before committing to beekeeping, so you can get a taste of it and all it entails, and gauge your interest before committing to getting your own hives. • Community programs allow you to work with beekeepers and learn the art of beekeeping while not raising bees on your own, if you have limited time or space.
APPROXIMATE STARTUP COSTS
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THINKING OF BECOMING A BEEKEEPER?